摘要：Introduction: Early detection of proteinuria is early detection is a cost-effective method of assessing individuals with and without risk factors for chronic renal disease. Proteinuria is common in adults and may present a clinical challenge in the absence of obvious renal disease or risk factors especially in the tropics. Few studies in Nigeria have assessed the prevalence of proteinuria in adults using the dipstick method. The aim of this study was to document the prevalence of proteinuria among residents of a community in Enugu, south east Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in an isolated urban slum settlement in Enugu, south east Nigeria. Dipstick testing of freshly voided early morning mid-stream urine samples was done to detect proteinuria. For database management and statistical analyses, SPSS version 23 was used. Results: A total of 262 individuals were recruited for the study, 165 (63%) females and 97 (37%) males. The participants’ age ranged from 18 to 90 years, averaging 43.7 ± 15.5. Trace amounts of protein were detected in urine samples of 225 (85.9%) individuals. Significant proteinuria was detected in 3.8% of the participants and was significantly higher 40 - 49-year-olds (6%). p = 0.02 and 0.02 respectively. Significant correlates of proteinuria were lower diastolic blood pressure and current tobacco use. Lower body mass index weakly correlated with proteinuria. Conclusion: The prevalence of significant early morning proteinuria in a community-based study in Enugu was 3.8%. Significant correlates of proteinuria included low diastolic blood pressure and tobacco use. Community based awareness programs targeted at prevention of chronic renal diseases should be incorporated in public health programs.
