Abstract:
Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant public health issue in Bangladesh, often accompanied by various co-morbidities that exacerbate its impact on patients. This study investigates the severity and relationship of co-morbidities with CKD among patients in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 243 CKD patients from healthcare facilities in Bangladesh. Socio-demographic data, lifestyle factors, and clinical parameters were collected through structured interviews and medical records. Statistical analyses, including chisquare tests, were used to examine associations between co-morbidities and various factors such as body mass index (BMI), CKD duration, age, marital status, smoking, diet type, and dialysis status. Results: The study included participants ranging from 15 to over 70 years, with a mean age of 50.42 years. Most participants were male (77.4%), married (92.6%), and had a monthly income of less than 30,000 BDT (57.6%). Significant associations were found between co-morbidities and BMI (χ² = 15.5, p = 0.00), CKD duration (χ² = 70.4, p = 0.00), age (χ² = 33.5, p = 0.00), marital status (χ² = 40.9, p = 0.00), smoking (χ² = 4.7, p = 0.03), diet type (χ² = 10.26, p = 0.00), and dialysis status (χ² = 19.9, p = 0.00). Hypertension (26.7%) and diabetes (38.3%) were the most common co-morbidities among participants. Conclusion: The study highlights significant associations between co-morbidities and various socio-demographic and clinical factors in CKD patients in Bangladesh. These findings underscore the need for a holistic approach in CKD management, addressing socio-economic factors, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and ensuring comprehensive medical care. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to further elucidate these relationships and inform targeted interventions.