Factors Associated with Poor Knowledge of Chronic Kidney Disease in the General Population of Abomey-Calavi (Benin): A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a major public health challenge due to its silent progression, the severity of its complications, and its often late diagnosis. Prevention relies primarily on a better understanding of the disease among the general population. However, the level of CKD knowledge varies among populations and may be influenced by their sociodemographic characteristics and access to medical information. The determinants of CKD knowledge remain poorly documented in Benin. Identifying groups at higher risk of poor CKD knowledge could help guide health education strategies. Objective: To identify the factors associated with the poor level of knowledge of CKD in the population of the municipality of Abomey-Calavi in 2026. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2026 among adults over 18 years of age residing in the municipality of Abomey-Calavi. Participants were selected using a three-stage probability sampling method. The level of CKD knowledge was assessed using a score that included anatomical, functional, diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive knowledge. Factors associated with poor knowledge were investigated using bivariate analysis followed by multivariate logistic regression. Associations were expressed as crude and adjusted Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). Oral informed consent was obtained from participants before inclusion in the study. Results: Of the 612 residents surveyed, 559 (91.34%) had a poor level of knowledge about CKD. After adjustment, only occupation, religion, and certain sources of information remained significantly associated with a poor level of knowledge. Participants of animist religion had higher odds ratios for poor knowledge (OR = 18.19 [1.71-193.04]) compared to atheists. Workers (OR = 16.87 [3.81-74.66]) and merchants (OR = 11.38 [2.26-57.34]) had higher odds ratios than participants with intellectual professions. Lack of exposure to information from social media (OR = 19.73 [7.27-53.54]) and the education system (OR = 15.24 [5.76-40.29]) was strongly associated with poor knowledge levels. Conclusion: Knowledge of CKD was poor among the study population. Strengthening education and awareness strategies, particularly among less informed groups, could improve knowledge of CKD and contribute to earlier detection.