World Kidney Day 2025 in Gdańsk: Results and Insights From Community-Based Screening for Kidney Diseases and Their Risk Factors

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often asymptomatic in early stages, making community screening initiatives crucial. This study describes a comprehensive awareness and screening initiative during World Kidney Day 2025 in Gdańsk, Poland. The objectives were to: (1) evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a collaborative community-based CKD screening and health education model, (2) determine the prevalence of decreased estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²) using 3 different estimation equations, (3) analyze discrepancies between self-reported and objectively measured obesity as a CKD risk factor, (4) assess the usability of point-of-care creatinine testing device (Nova Max Pro Creatinine and eGFR Meter) in community screening settings, and (5) formulate recommendations for optimizing future community-based kidney health screening initiatives based on implementation experience. METHODS: A collaborative event was organized by the Medical University of Gdańsk and the University of Gdańsk at a local shopping center. Trained volunteers administered CKD risk factor questionnaires, performed blood pressure measurements, and conducted capillary blood creatinine testing with on-site eGFR calculation using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) 2009 equation. Participants received educational materials, urine test strips, and nutritional information. Data were subsequently reanalyzed using CKD-EPI 2021 and European Kidney Function Consortium (EKFC) equations. RESULTS: 171 participants (67.3% women, median age 63 years) were screened. Self-reported risk factors included hypertension (38.6%), obesity (18.7%), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use (16.4%), cardiovascular disease (15.8%), smoking (15.8%), family history of kidney disease (15.2%), and diabetes (11.1%). Decreased eGFR (<60 mL/min/1.73 m²) was identified in 4.1% (CKD-EPI 2009), 2.9% (CKD-EPI 2021), or 5.8% (EKFC) of participants. Among 86 participants with measured body mass index (BMI), 9.3% were unaware of their obesity despite BMI ≥30 kg/m². Furthermore, volunteers described the Nova Max Pro Creatinine and eGFR Meter as very easy to use. Recommendations for future community-based kidney health screening initiatives were formulated. CONCLUSIONS: Community-based CKD screening using a collaborative academic model is feasible and effective for combined early detection and health education initiatives. The substantial variation in detection rates between eGFR formulas necessitates careful equation selection, with CKD-EPI 2009 remaining optimal for European populations. Self-assessment proves unreliable for identifying obesity as a CKD risk factor, requiring objective measurements. Point-of-care creatinine testing demonstrates high usability for community settings. Future initiatives should prioritize demographic diversification, standardized anthropometric measurements, and multi-modal educational approaches to optimize early CKD detection and prevention efforts.