CORE Posters Fall 2025

IMPORTANCE OF SCREENING FOR CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AMONG THE RETIREES OF WARM HEARTH VILLAGE P. Buchanan, M. DeGrassi, D. Downing, T. Fuchs, A. Funkhouser, E. Geddes, W. Iftikhar, Y. Moustafa, J. Nicholson, MAT, and B. Kadio, MD, MPH, PhD Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg – VA Group F

Abstract

Results

Conclusions

• Understanding of kidney health: 81.8% reported an increased understanding (54.5% very much) • Clarity of explanation: 45.5% completely clear, 45.5% somewhat clear, 9% not clear • Convenience (time, location, cost): 36.4% very convenient, 36.4% convenient, 27.3% neutral • Satisfaction: 63.7% were satisfied or very satisfied with the program • Future: 100% support expansion

Chronic kidney disease often shows no symptoms until the later stages, and older adults are at higher risk. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the October 2024 Warm Hearth Village CKD screening improved awareness, knowledge, and follow-up care. This was a cross-sectional, anonymous survey of residents who participated in the screening. Survey of 11/36 participants showed: program was convenient or very convenient (72.8%), program improved understanding of kidney health (81.8%), explanations varied in clarity (45.5% completely clear, 45.5% somewhat clear, 9% not clear), program left them satisfied or very satisfied (63.7%), and strong interest in future screenings (81.8%). Every responder agreed with expansion to other communities (100%). Improvements: explanation of results, time/availability, wait time, follow up communication. Community screenings are feasible, but enhanced scheduling, staffing, education, result explanation are needed. Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 37 million adults in the United States, with the highest prevalence in older populations. Among adults aged 65 and older, 38 percent show signs of CKD, yet fewer than 10 percent are aware of their condition. Warm Hearth Village represents an ideal population to evaluate the effectiveness of screening. There is limited evidence regarding whether community screenings improve follow-up care and education quality. This study aims to assess awareness, knowledge, usefulness, and follow-up among older adults following a CKD screening. This study was designed as an observational, survey-based project. The population included residents of Warm Hearth Village who attended the October 2024 CKD screening. A de-identified paper and online survey was distributed and collected by Warm Hearth staff. Residents completed the survey independently online or on paper to return it to a designated drop-off location. Measures included perceived usefulness of education, CKD knowledge, lifestyle changes, follow-up care, satisfaction, and medication adherence. Introduction Methods

References References While our research focused solely on retirees of the Warm Hearth Village, we acknowledge that the results could be limited as not everyone who participated in the kidney screening responded to the survey. This could be due to lack of access to email, cognitive disabilities, or loss to follow up given the original screening was in 2024. Most importantly, all Warm Hearth Village participants who responded to the survey (100%) stated that the screening should be expanded to other communities. To address concerns that many participants felt their results were not adequately explained, we suggest the following recommendations: • Provide results in each participant’s preferred format (written, email, etc.). • Offer onsite appointment scheduling. • Include clear follow-up steps. • Provide educational materials with simple language and visuals to support understanding of diet, exercise, and medication management. Collectively, these strategies can improve participants’ understanding of their health, strengthen appreciation for the program, and increase follow-up completion rates. 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States, 2023. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/publications-resources/ckd-national-facts.html 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Chronic kidney disease in the United States, 2024. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.https://www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/publications-resources/ckd-national-facts.html 3. Levey AS, Coresh J. Chronic kidney disease. Lancet. 2012;379(9811):165 – 180.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140 6736(11)60178- 5​ 4. Najm, S. H., & Sameen, E. K. (2025). Assessment of health awareness concerning hypertension among visitors to primary health care centers. Central Asian Journal of Medical and Natural Sciences. 5. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2024). Kidney disease statistics for the United States. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/kidney disease​ 6. Scott, S., Grewal, E. K., Varma, M., et al. (2025). Evaluation of a pilot outreach program to support point-of-care screening for individuals with diabetes who are experiencing homelessness in Alberta, Canada. BMC Health Services Research. 7. Stevens PE, Levin A; Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD Guideline Development Work Group. Evaluation and management of chronic kidney disease: synopsis of the kidney disease: improving global outcomes 2012 clinical practice guideline. Ann Intern Med. 2013;158(11):825 – 830.https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-158-11-201306040 00007

Did you receive clear explanations about your screening results?

9.1%

45.5%

45.5%

Screening Program Satisfaction

27.3%

36.4%

36.4%

Did the screening program help you understand your kidney health better?

9.1%

9.1%

27.3%

Acknowledgements

54.4%

We thank the residents and staff of Warm Hearth Village, the Kidney Screening and Awareness Program at Virginia Tech, and Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Virginia. We acknowledge Dr. Bernard Kadio (PI), Katherine, Sarah McCarter (Volunteer and Academic Partnerships Coordinator for Warm Hearth), and the Department of Preventive Medicine.

This study was approved by the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Institutional Review Board, Protocol #2315423-1.