Assessing Acute Kidney Injury Awareness Among Healthcare Workers in North-Kivu Bridging the Knowledge Gap

Introduction:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant yet often underrecognized health concern among healthcare workers (HCWs). A recent study in North-Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), highlights the gaps in AKI knowledge and management practices among non-nephrology HCWs. Addressing these deficiencies is crucial to improving early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

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Key Findings from the Study

• Only 7.59% of HCWs correctly identified the definition and classification of AKI.
• Risk factors awareness: Respondents scored an average of 6.76 out of 18 on identifying AKI risk factors.
• Nephrotoxic drugs knowledge: The mean score was 6.29 out of 11 for recognizing medications that could cause AKI.
• Practice gaps:
  • Only 28.48% of HCWs assessed AKI risk in their daily practice.
  • 31.65% recorded AKI in medical histories.
  • 33.54% sought nephrologist consultations for high-risk patients.

Why This Matters:

AKI is a preventable and treatable condition, yet lack of awareness among HCWs can lead to delayed diagnosis and poor patient outcomes. The study underscores the need for targeted education and training programs to enhance AKI knowledge and practice.

Global and Clinical Perspectives on AKI

According to the International Society of Nephrology (ISN), AKI contributes to increased mortality and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Early detection strategies and proper HCW education are key to reducing AKI-related complications.

Full Study Access

Read the complete research article here: https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.jcn.1001087.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Bridging the knowledge gap in AKI management is essential for improving patient care. Hospitals should implement structured training programs and ensure HCWs are equipped with the latest guidelines.

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