Renal Health Status in Individuals Living in Camps of Duhok, Kurdistan Region – Iraq

Abstract

Background: Internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in camps often face substandard living conditions that may adversely affect renal health. This study aimed to assess and compare the renal function biomarkers between IDPs residing in camps and healthy individuals living outside camps in Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 300 participants (150 IDPs and 150 controls), aged 18–65 years. Individuals with chronic diseases, smokers, alcohol consumers, or other potential confounders (such as pregnancy, recent acute illness, use of nephrotoxic medications, or history of kidney surgery) were excluded. Blood and urine samples were collected to evaluate serum albumin, creatinine, and urea, urine albumin and creatinine, albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), and microscopic urine examination. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated. The data were analyzed across demographic variables, including age, gender, body mass index, drinking water amount, and biochemical parameters.

Results: IDPs exhibited significantly lower serum albumin and creatinine levels and higher ACR compared to controls (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in urea or eGFR. Microalbuminuria prevalence was higher in IDPs (5.3%) than in controls (2%), and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.006). ACR was elevated in the IDPs across all subgroups. Microscopic urine examination revealed uric acid crystals in the IDP group; these crystals were not observed in the control participants. Most participants were classified as CKD stage 1 or 2; comparisons at stages 3a and 3b were limited due to small sample sizes.

Conclusions: IDPs living in camps showed early signs of renal dysfunction, with altered albumin, creatinine, and ACR levels. These findings underscore the need for improved renal health surveillance and targeted interventions focused on hydration, nutrition, and living conditions in displacement settings.