Prevalence of family history of kidney disease and perception of risk for kidney disease: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: A family history of kidney disease is associated with an increased risk for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, it is unclear whether blacks are more likely to have a family history of ESRD than other groups independently of kidney disease risk factors. Moreover, their risk perception for kidney disease is unknown.

METHODS: The association of race with family history of ESRD and perception of risk for kidney disease was examined in a representative random sample of 402 Georgia residents who completed a telephone interview. Logistic regression analysis was used to derive adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between race and family history of ESRD, controlling for age, sex, education level, being a Georgia native, diabetes, hypertension, and personal history of kidney disease. A multinomial logit model was used to derive adjusted estimates for the association between race and perception of risk for kidney disease.

RESULTS: Mean age was 43.2 years, 41.0% of respondents were men, 20.1% were black, 6.6% had diabetes, 21.4% had hypertension, 1.6% had a personal history of kidney disease, and 3.7% reported a family member with ESRD. Although blacks were more likely to report a family history of ESRD (odds ratio, 6.43; 95% confidence interval, 2.02 to 20.43), their perception of risk was not greater.

CONCLUSION: Although blacks are approximately 6 times as likely to report a family history of ESRD independently of a personal history of kidney disease, diabetes, or hypertension, they do not perceive themselves as more vulnerable for kidney disease.