Knowledge, Attitude, and Screening of Kidney Disease Among Asymptomatic Healthcare Students at a Tertiary Healthcare Center in Coastal Andhra Pradesh

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often begins silently and is typically identified only in its advanced stages. In regions such as North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, a high prevalence of CKD of unknown etiology (CKDu) has been reported. Early detection in asymptomatic individuals, especially among future healthcare professionals, is vital for prevention and timely intervention. Methods An observational study was conducted among 240 healthcare students, including medical and paramedical undergraduates. The participants were evaluated for knowledge, attitudes, and symptoms related to kidney disease. Urine dipstick testing was performed to screen for proteinuria and glycosuria. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results Among medical students, 6.1% had good knowledge, 81.6% had fair knowledge, and 12.2% had poor knowledge of kidney disease. In contrast, 58.3% of paramedical students had poor knowledge. Proteinuria was detected in 11.3% of male and 21.4% of female medical students; 8.3% of paramedical students also tested positive. Attitude toward kidney health, treatment preference, and organ donation varied significantly between groups. Conclusion A notable proportion of asymptomatic young healthcare students showed early urinary abnormalities. Knowledge gaps and varying attitudes emphasize the need for targeted education and routine screening initiatives in medical training.