Kidney Week

Abstract: SA-PO0893

Barriers and Facilitators to Dietary and Lifestyle Management of CKD in Nigeria: A Qualitative Study

Session Information

• Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
  October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism

• 1500 Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism

Authors

• Ekpo, Adelle E., Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Adelle E. Ekpo

• Akubo, Chelsea, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Chelsea Akubo, MPH

• Adunah, Elizabeth A., Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Elizabeth A. Adunah

• Neupane, Raghavee, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Raghavee Neupane, MPH

• Djelmami-Hani, Rayan, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Rayan Djelmami-Hani

• Mamudu, Rosemary Ojochide Safiya, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, FCT, Nigeria

Rosemary Ojochide Safiya Mamudu

• Najimu, Sakiru, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria

Sakiru Najimu

• Sholarin, Motunrayo, University of Lagos College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria

Motunrayo Sholarin

• Rizzolo, Katherine M., Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Katherine M. Rizzolo, MD

• Mamven, Manmak, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, FCT, Nigeria

Manmak Mamven, MBBS

• Raji, Yemi R., University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria

Yemi R. Raji, MBChB

• Amira, Christiana Oluwatoyin, University of Lagos College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria

Christiana Oluwatoyin Amira, MD

• Ilori, Titilayo O., Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Titilayo O. Ilori, MD, MS, MSc, FASN

Background

Sub-Saharan Africa faces a rising burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet multilevel determinants of dietary and lifestyle adherence influencing disease management for patients with CKD remain poorly understood. This study examines the socioeconomic, informational, and behavioral factors affecting dietary and lifestyle adherence among individuals living with CKD in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 34 Black patients receiving CKD care at three sites in central and western Nigeria from the Diet, CKD, and Apolipoprotein L1 study, an ancillary study to the Human Hereditary and Health in Africa CKD cohort. We interviewed patients in-person and virtually from August 2025 to February 2026. Subsequently, we recorded the interview sessions which were transcribed by Ant by Datagain and coded independently by four members using applied thematic analysis until thematic saturation was reached.

Results

Among the participants (mean age 49.9±17.9 years, 64.7% male), 30% had an income of <N75,000 (~$52), and 68% were uninsured. The most common comorbidity was hypertension, with a prevalence of 71.9%. Table 1 displays five main themes and corresponding sub-themes describing key factors influencing adherence among patients with CKD in Nigeria: 1) Financial constraints, 2) Knowledge gaps, 3) Challenges with modifications, 4) Engaging with and sharing CKD knowledge, and 5) Behavioral and motivational drivers.

Conclusion

Participants described a strong desire to seek and share CKD-related knowledge, health risks, and genetic susceptibility within their communities, which supported their own adherence. Our findings highlight the role of community-based knowledge exchange as a potential lever for improving adherence and underscore opportunities to enhance health literacy and genetic risk awareness in CKD care in sub-Saharan Africa.

Funding

• NIDDK Support