Factors affecting knowledge and practices towards prevention of chronic kidney disease among hypertensive patients at public hospital in Bale and East Bale zone, Oromia, Southeast Ethiopia, 2023: A cross-sectional study.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing health concern worldwide. It is crucial to prevent CKD to mitigate its impact and enhance health results. Recognizing and managing the risk factors of chronic kidney disease at an early stage can aid in stopping its advancement. A cross-sectional study was carried out at a hospital from March 1 to April 30, 2023, involving 422 hypertensive patients. The participants were chosen using systematic random sampling. Data on socio-demographic and clinical factors, as well as knowledge and practices, were gathered through interviews, medical record reviews using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the frequency and percentage of variables. The data was entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 23 (Chicago). Variables with P-values < .25 were considered for multivariable analysis, and those with P-values < .05 were deemed to be factors associated with knowledge and practices. The study found that 42.2% (178) of hypertensive patients had good knowledge about chronic kidney disease, and 43.6% (184) had good practices. Living in urban areas (with an adjusted odds ratio [AOR] of 3.94 at a 95% confidence interval [CI] of 2.42-6.42) and having a family history of kidney disease (AOR 5.59 at a 95% CI of 3.21-9.75) were factors associated with good knowledge. Being a government employee (AOR 7.29, at 95% CI 1.79-29.58) and maintaining a normal body mass index (AOR 8.03, at 95% CI 3.54-18.19) were linked to good practices. Less than half of the study participants had good knowledge and practices toward prevention of chronic kidney disease. Identifying factors that affect knowledge and practices towards the prevention of chronic kidney disease can offer healthcare providers, governmental and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and policymakers' valuable insights for developing strategic interventions and education programs to promote better management of hypertension and CKD.