Risk and protective factors

There are several risk and protective factors that impact kidney health. While factors like age and family history cannot be changed, those relating to behaviour and lifestyle may be altered to reduce the risk of kidney disease [45756].

Health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiovascular disease and overweight and obesity are risk factors for kidney disease, however these conditions can be influenced by health behaviours [45756]. Acute kidney injury is also a risk factor for illness.

Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, risk factors for kidney disease can also include:

low birth weight
recurrent childhood infections such as post-streptococcal glomerularnephritis (PSGN) infections (which can occur after skin and/or throat infections, or as a complication of scabies)
chronic stress
remoteness
low socioeconomic status
housing insecurity and overcrowding
education levels
the ongoing impacts of colonisation [1][2][46036].

To maintain healthy kidneys and prevent disease, people should be supported to:

control blood pressure and blood glucose levels
avoid smoking tobacco
have a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, proteins and low-fat dairy
be physically active
maintain a healthy body weight
minimise alcohol consumption
stay hydrated [45156].

An important protective factor for kidney health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people includes culturally safe and responsive care, that provides tailored screening and referral services, and supports increased care on Country [46036].