Raising awareness of chronic kidney disease among South Asians and primary care: the ABLE project.
Established renal failure as a complication of diabetes in 10 times greater in South Asians than in Caucasians. The objectives were: (1) to develop methods to increase community awareness and (2) to support general practices to improve chronic kidney disease (CKD) detection and management. The methods include: 1. Action research approach. 2. Public health education programme. 3. Audit in control and intervention practices. 4. Post-intervention focus group study determining changes in knowledge. 5. Evaluation and dissemination in community and primary care.


RESULTS
An evaluation of innovative resources and peer educator model demonstrated a positive feedback, increased knowledge and evidence of positive lifestyle change. Intervention with the practices has demonstrated the need to improve some aspects of CKD management.


CONCLUSIONS
This unique initiative has helped to identify practical strategies to address CKD awareness in these communities. However, the successful elements need to become part of mainstream National health Service and not just delivered by short-term projects.
Jain
Neerja
N
Kidney Research UK, Peterborough, UK. neerjajain@kidneyresearchchuk.org
Farooqi
Azhar
A
Feehally
John
J
D001208:Asia / Q000208:ethnology; D044466:Asian People; D003256:Community Participation; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004739:England; D005194:Family Practice; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*