A recent ecological study conducted in Japan has unveiled a significant correlation between participation rates in Specific Health Checkups (SHC) and the prevalence of kidney diseases. The study found that prefecture-specific SHC participation rates had a notable negative impact on standardized incidence rates (SIRs) of treated End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) and the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). These findings underscore the importance of promoting higher SHC participation rates and encouraging regular health checkups at the population level.
Japan grapples with one of the highest incidence and prevalence rates of treated ESKD, marked by considerable regional disparities despite the presence of a uniform healthcare and insurance system and a relatively low degree of ethnic and racial diversity. This study utilized data from five nationwide sources to establish the substantial influence of SHC participation rates on both SIRs and CKD prevalence at the prefecture-specific level.
Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the ratio of nephrology specialists had an indirect negative effect on SIRs through SHC participation rates. This implies that prefectures with a higher ratio of nephrology specialists exhibited lower SIRs. In essence, the study’s structural equation modeling accounted for 14% of the variance in prefecture-specific SIRs, indicating that SHC participation rates are instrumental in explaining regional variations in SIRs for treated ESKD.
Dr. Minako Wakasugi, the corresponding author of the study, emphasized the significance of their findings, stating, “Our findings provide evidence to support the importance of increasing SHC participation rates from a population-level perspective and encouraging people to undergo health checkups.” The study’s results align with previous research, which highlighted the elevated risk of ESKD among individuals who did not attend health checkups and kidney tests, particularly in older age groups.
This study reinforces the vital role of comprehensive health checkup programs in not only identifying health risks but also in significantly reducing the prevalence of kidney diseases at the regional level. It serves as a compelling call to action for promoting regular health assessments as a means to enhance public health and well-being.
