RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Kidney Check: Diabetes, Blood Pressure & Kidney Health Checks & Care in Indigenous Communities.

This project offers essential kidney health checks to Indigenous people aged 10-80 living in rural and remote communities across several Canadian provinces. The aim is to find chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its risk factors, like diabetes and high blood pressure, early. Often, kidney problems don't show symptoms until they're advanced, making early detection vital for preventing serious illness. The study provides quick, on-the-spot testing, gives individuals information about their kidney health, and offers tailored advice and care. By doing this, researchers hope to create a long-term system for monitoring kidney health in all Indigenous communities in Canada, helping to reduce the number of people who develop serious kidney failure. This is especially important as these communities often face tougher health challenges and have less access to medical services.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Manitoba

Enrolment target

2,500

Start

01 Oct 2019

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2025

Chronic Kidney Disease Diabetes Hypertension

What is this study about?

This study is focused on improving kidney health for Indigenous people living in rural and remote areas of Canada. We know that these communities often face greater challenges when it comes to health, including higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. They also sometimes find it harder to get proper healthcare, especially specialist doctors.

Catching kidney problems early is really important, because often, kidneys can be damaged for a long time without you even knowing it. By the time symptoms appear, the damage might be severe, and it’s harder to prevent kidney failure. This project aims to change that by bringing quick and accurate kidney health checks directly to the communities, using simple blood and urine tests.

The goal is to identify people who are at risk of kidney disease, or who already have it, so they can get the right advice and care tailored to their needs. This isn't just about helping individuals; it's also about gathering strong evidence to set up a permanent system that keeps an eye on kidney health across all Indigenous communities in Canada. Ultimately, this will help reduce the number of people who suffer from kidney disease and kidney failure, making a real difference to people's lives and health.

Key takeaways

Free kidney health checks for Indigenous people in rural Canadian communities.
Aimed at finding kidney problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure early.
Open to individuals aged 10 to 80 years old.
Provides immediate results and personalised advice on kidney health.
Helps develop a lasting renal health system for all Indigenous communities.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people to take part if they are between 10 and 80 years old. You can join whether or not you already know if you have health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems.

Basically, if you are aged 10 to 80, you are welcome to participate in the kidney health checks offered by this study. There are no reasons why you can't join based on your health or medical history.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 10 and 80 years old?
Do you live in an Indigenous community in Manitoba, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Ontario?
Are you interested in a free health check for your kidneys?
You don't need to have existing health conditions to join.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study offers point-of-care screening. This means you will have quick tests done on the spot, likely involving blood and urine samples, to check your kidney health. You'll receive information about your results and tailored treatment plans or advice. The study aims to make these checks accessible in your community. The total duration for your involvement will be a single visit for the screening and associated discussion.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits include gaining valuable information about your kidney health and receiving personalised advice and care, which could help prevent serious kidney problems. The risks are very low, as it involves routine blood and urine tests. You are always free to decide not to take part or to withdraw from the study at any time, even after you’ve started, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (3)

Alberta Health Services
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada· Recruiting
First Nations Research and Knowledge Exchange
Verified postcode
West Vancouver, Canada· Recruiting
Chronic Disease Innovation Centre
Verified postcode
Winnipeg, Canada· Enrolling by invitation

Common questions

What exactly do the 'kidney health checks' involve?

The checks involve quick and simple tests, usually using a small blood sample and a urine sample, done right there in your community.

Do I need to have symptoms to take part?

No, you don't need any symptoms to take part. The study is open to anyone aged 10-80, whether or not you already have health concerns.

What happens if they find something wrong with my kidneys?

If the checks show any concerns, you'll be given information and advice tailored to your needs, and help to access further care if required.

Is there a cost to me to participate in this study?

No, there is no cost to you for taking part in these kidney health checks.

How long will the health check take?

The health check is designed to be quick and done on the spot, so it shouldn't take very long.

How to find out more

Maria James, MSc

mjames4@sogh.mb.ca 2049513040 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.