AKAP raise public awareness of
kidney diseases
and of the circulatory system in particular high blood
pressure encouraging people to get help earlier when
they have symptoms. Persistent hypertension is one of
the risk factors and leading cause of chronic renal
failure. Some kidney diseases are inherited and others
develop as we grow older. Often kidney disease is
associated with other medical conditions including
diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. In addition,
members of some ethnic groups are also at higher risk
because of the greater incidence of diabetes and high
blood pressure such as African/Caribbean origin
(The Health Survey for England 2004).
Demand for renal dialysis services is
projected to grow by five per cent per annum until
2030 and the number of patients in the East of England
will rise from 1,769 in 2008 to 2,143 in 2015 and to
2,868 in 2020. (Developing renal dialysis services for
people in the east of England, Consultation document,
Published December 14, 2009, East of England
Specialised Commissioning Group)
Renal failure is high in children of
African origin. A large histological study showed risk
factors of vascular injury accumulates from
adolescence, making primary prevention efforts
necessary from childhood (McGill HC, et al. Aug 2000).
By the time that the problem is detected, the
underlying cause is usually quite advanced. Thus AKAP
project increase emphasis on prevention by modifying
risk factors such as high blood pressure checks,
diabetes, healthy eating and exercise.
AKAP targets African communities in
Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. Although there is
low rates of African communities outside Luton, cities
such as Norwich experienced rapid increase of African
population fivefold due to resettlement of 60
Congolese refugees annually under Home Office Gateway
Protection Programme. Most African communities live in
some of the 10% most deprived wards in the East of
England such as Mile Cross, Mancroft and Bowthorpe in
Norwich. African children are 1.6% of the school
population in Norwich, but they account for 35% of
free school meals. Eligibility for free school meals
is an indicator of deprivation, and people who suffer
more deprivation tend to have poorer health (Health
Profile 2008 Norwich, APHO & DOH).
AKAP project approach these issues by:
·
Arranging
targeted
selective screening of high blood
pressure in
African
communities
·
Tackling obesity, particularly in women through
activities such as sport
and healthy eating
·
Campaign to reducing salt,
increase potassium in
diets to prevent stroke and hypertension
·
Design culturally and linguistically appropriate
health promotion materials and programmes.
·
Organise
healthy lifestyle and prevention information events
·
Produce
patient community compliance tools to help adhere to
treatment
·
Provide
information on African
traditional and cultural health practices
·
Increase access to mainstream health and social care
The project has been running for two years now.
Achievements
Activities
4 training workshops on kidney disease were organised
during the year
5 kidney screening organised of which 2 in Norwich, 1
in Ipswich and 2 in Cambridge
Produced information leaflets on kidney diseases and
risk factors
Produced information on health checks
4 Healthy-living sessions provided through living
centres
Outcomes and Impact
On average, 20 people attended training workshops
giving a total of 100 participants
77% increased their knowledge of kidney disease
including prevention and treatment
500 leaflets on kidney disease was distributed via
mail and events to over 100 recipients
120 participated in befriending kidney support service
during the year
150 people attended kidney screening targeting
hypertension, diabetes and family history
66% reported change in attitude towards kidney disease
and to take measure for prevention
For
more information about this project, please
contact us
