Title: Kidney Disease: The Basics | National Kidney Foundation
Headings: Kidney Disease: The Basics
Kidney Disease: The Basics
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Fast Facts
What is Kidney Disease?
What Causes Kidney Disease?
How is Kidney Disease Treated?
How Many People Require Dialysis or Transplant?
Who is at Risk for Kidney Disease?
What's Behind Racial Disparities in Kidney Disease?
How are Children and Adolescents Affected by Kidney Disease?
What are the Costs to Treat Kidney Disease?
How Do You Prevent Kidney Disease?
Early Detection
Keep Kidneys Healthy
Preventative Medicine Pays Off

Content: Blacks or African Americans are about 3 times more likely than Whites to develop kidney failure. Blacks or African Americans are 13% of the U.S. population, while representing 35% of those with kidney failure. Black or African-American race is also associated with increased risk for acute kidney injury (AKI). Blacks or African Americans also suffer higher rates of comorbid conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, resulting in higher rates of fair/poor health (age 18+, 22% Blacks or African Americans vs. 16% Whites). Compared to non-Hispanics, Hispanics or Latinos are almost 33% (1.3 times) more likely to receive a diagnosis of kidney failure. Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, American Indians and Alaska Natives also have a higher prevalence of kidney disease than Whites. There are disparities in the quality of primary care for patients of different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups who have kidney disease and kidney disease risk factors. These disparities are related to patient, clinician, clinical, and systemic factors. Patients receiving dialysis in areas with populations that are largely Black or African American, low-income, or of lower educational attainment, are less likely to have received pre-dialysis care from a nephrologist. One study found that 52% of Hispanic or Latino patients on hemodialysis had not received pre-dialysi