Understanding risk factors for chronic kidney disease in Malawi

Understanding Risk Factors for Progressive Chronic Kidney Disease in Malawi to Inform Interventions for Earlier Detection and Prevention (Impso Study)

Observational Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine · NCT06312072

This study looks at the causes and risks of chronic kidney disease in Malawi to help improve prevention and treatment strategies for people affected by it.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chilumba, Karonga)
Trial IDNCT06312072 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify the mortality associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the risk factors contributing to its development and progression in Malawi. By analyzing data from a demographic surveillance survey and a long-term conditions survey, the study seeks to fill knowledge gaps regarding CKD in low-income settings. The research will focus on both traditional and non-traditional risk factors, including the impact of other long-term conditions such as hypertension and HIV. The findings could inform public health strategies to prevent and manage CKD in Malawi.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older living in specific demographic surveillance sites in Malawi with available serum samples.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those not residing in the designated study areas will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early detection and cost-effective interventions for chronic kidney disease in Malawi.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited longitudinal research on CKD in Malawi, similar studies in other low-income countries have highlighted the importance of understanding risk factors for chronic diseases, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Aim 1, Objective 1 (survival analysis):

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult ≥ 18 years at time of participation in 2013-16 NCD survey
* Living in one of the demographic surveillance sites (Chilumba, Karonga or Lilongwe area 25)
* Creatinine +/- cystatin C result available from serum sample taken in 2013-16 NCD survey

Exclusion Criteria:

* Child (age \<18 years)
* Not living in one of the study areas

Aim 1, Objective 2 (retrospective cohort study)

Inclusion criteria:

* eGFRcreat ≥60ml/min/1.73m3 at baseline (using creatinine tested on serum sample from 2013-16 survey)
* Participated and provided blood (serum) sample in 2022-25 long-term conditions (LTC) survey i.e. individual-level longitudinal paired serum samples available, including consent already given for testing of stored samples in future studies

Exclusion Criteria:

* Child (age \<18 years)
* Not living in one of the study areas
* Not consented previously to storage of blood samples and use of samples in future studies

Aim 1, Objective 3

Inclusion criteria:

As for Objective 1, PLUS:

* eGFRcystC \<90ml/min/1.73m3 at baseline (using cystatin C tested on 2013-16 serum sample)
* Participated and provided serum sample in 2022-25 long-term conditions (LTC) survey i.e. individual-level longitudinal paired serum samples available
* Still alive and living in one of the demographic surveillance sites
* Able to provide consent or assent with consent from an appropriate nominated guardian

Exlusion criteria:

* Declines consent
* Unable to consent or assent
* Children (\<18 years)
* Non-resident in study areas
* Acute physical or mental illness
* Hospital inpatient
* Hospital admission \>24 hours in past 90 days and \<90 days until study end
* Currently pregnant

Where this trial is running

Chilumba, Karonga

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic Kidney DiseasesNon-Communicable Chronic DiseasesNon-communicable DiseaseKidney Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.