PS-C27-11: HYPERTENSION AND LOW EGFR AMONG MALE OCCUPATIONAL AUTO-RICKSHAW DRIVERS FROM NORTH INDIA- SCREENING FOR CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE RISK FACTORS

Abstract

Objective: To find out the prevalence of low estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) and major Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) risk factors such as hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, obesity among male occupational auto-rickshaw drivers as they are highly exposed to air pollution. Design and method: The study population included male auto-rickshaw drivers of more than or equal to 18 years of age and driving for at least one year. Participant's demography (height, weight, waist circumference), and blood pressure were measured and medical history, history of substance abuse, and occupation history was obtained in a structured questionnaire. Blood and urinalysis were performed for measurement of serum creatinine, uric acid, and proteinuria respectively. eGFR was measured using the CKD-EPI equation. Results: A total of 900 male auto-rickshaw drivers were enrolled in the study. Age varied from 19 to 75 (mean 39.56 ± 10.5 years). 59.6% had less than 15 years of experience in driving an auto-rickshaw (mean 13.1 ± 9.7 years) with daily working hours of 10.3 ± 2.1. Among 900 participants, 3.9% had low eGFR (less than 60 ml/min), and 8.7% had proteinuria (more than 30 mg/dl). Prevalence of CKD, hypertension, and diabetes was found to be 3.9% (stage - 1 to stage - 4; 6.4%, 1.3%, 3.4%, 0.5% respectively), 37% and 8.4% respectively. One-third (33.6%) of auto-rickshaw drivers were newly diagnosed with hypertension and 15 (2.7%) were new-onset diabetic. Around one-fourth (24.5%) of autorickshaw drivers were prevalent with hyperuricemia (serum uric acid more than 7 mg/dl) and 5% were anemic (Hb (less than 13 gm/dl). Approximately 42% of the participants were overweight or obese (BMI more than 25 kg/m2) and central obesity was found in 7.4% (more than 102 cm) participants. Tobacco products and alcohol use among auto/taxi drivers were high (63% and 23.5% respectively). Conclusion: High prevalence of CKD and associated risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity hyperuricemia, and anemia were observed in male occupational auto-rickshaw drivers. A routine screening program should be implemented for primary prevention and management of risk factors of CKD among such populations that are highly exposed to air pollution.