Approximately 15% of adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease (CKD).1 The lifetime risk of someone born in the United States developing kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant is 3%–4% (highest for non-Hispanic Black men at 8% and non-Hispanic Black women at 7%).2

Using the Kidney Failure Risk Equation,3 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2016 show that among US adults with CKD* and at high risk (≥15%) of kidney failure within 5 years, only about 50% were aware of having CKD. Among adults with low risk (<2%) of kidney failure within 5 years, less than 10% were aware of having CKD.

Patients’ knowledge about their kidney disease and its severity may help them follow a healthy lifestyle and prescribed treatments to promote kidney health. These actions may help prevent CKD progression to kidney failure and other health complications, including cardiovascular disease. Increasing awareness among adults with CKD, particularly among adults with the highest risk of kidney failure, represents a significant opportunity for improving quality of care.

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