Kidney Disease: Silent Killer of Indigenous Australians

Indigenous Australians are at increased risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and have a heightened risk of mortality and morbidity (Kidney Australia – ANZDATA below). The death rates from kidney disease are eight to 10 times higher among Indigenous Australians than other Australians. Indigenous Australians are also 14 times more likely to need in-hospital care for kidney dialysis. From past research we know that kidney disease is strongly linked to other chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

In the Northern Territory (NT) Kidney Disease Rates are some of the highest in the world. More than 500 Territorians rely on kidney dialysis.

Significant challenges and inequalities are still apparent due to ethnicity and area of residence by which medical support/checks required for the early detection of the disease.

CKD remains a highly under-diagnosed condition without obvious signs and symptoms unless a doctor request a check of their kidney function based on other related disease/sickness such as cardiovascular and diabetes.

The reason for ‘heightened risk’ are complex and likely due to different factors, including family history of CKD, Diabetes, Poor Nutrition, Lifestyle choices (smoking/exercise) or limited education/information about disease in the ‘Very remote’ communities. According to Menzies School of Health Research miscommunication between healthcare providers and Indigenous patients about their kidney disease fundamentally affects their health outcomes.

“ Traditionally, kidneys hold the spirit. If you have sick kidneys, you have a sick spirit…” – Sarah Brown, CEO of Purple House – Dialysis Program