Socioeconomic Determinants of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major global health challenge with psychosocial effects contributing to the substantial burden among vulnerable populations. These social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and access to resources, profoundly influence CKD at all levels, including its prevalence, progression, and management. However, this body of research has a serious gap. The intricate interplay of all these factors is poorly understood, leaving many questions pending about effective interventions. The complex interaction of social determinants of health is incompletely understood, and this study seeks to examine the various social constructs that interplay to influence CKD outcomes, including disease management, healthcare access, and quality of life (QoL).

Methods: Undertaking an exhaustive literature review, this study investigates existing research based on its visibility on the Scopus database to determine key socioeconomic factors associated with CKD disparities that affect multiple countries.

Results and Discussion: Results show a significant association between socioeconomic disadvantage and poor CKD outcomes, leading to the vital implication for targeted interventions. In this context, poor access to healthcare services and knowledge of the disease, as well as economic barriers, stand out as major obstacles to optimal CKD control in the socioeconomically deprived groups. The study ends with a call for a more comprehensive strategy to tackle these inequalities, suggesting that a combination of enhanced social support networks, better access to healthcare facilities, and patient empowerment through education and resources could play vital roles in mitigating these disparities. In addition, it will be crucial for future studies to disaggregate this complex relationship with sociodemographic drivers, standardize their measures of impact across studies, and include populations representative of the diversity and heterogeneity seen in CKD. The effort to close these wide gaps will lead to a more equitable and effective approach for CKD management that can not only improve patient outcomes but also potentially reduce the worldwide burden of this chronic condition.