Chronic Kidney Disease Unknown Origin (CKDu): Systems Thinking Perspective

Abstract

The growing number of people being affected by chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) is becoming a matter of concern for many nations across the globe. Consequently, the burden upon the medical infrastructure has also increased considerably. The risk factor contributing to the growth of the disease remains unidentified as sufficient evidence has not been found to identify a particular factor. The researchers have been of the opinion that the debated disease with unknown aetiology might be multi-factorial. However, if the governments wait for the particular reason to be identified then this disease might take many more lives. Thus, it becomes important to study the several factors that researchers have alleged to be a causal factors. The aim of this research is to analyze the various factors which have been proposed to be the cause of the disease. The researcher shall attempt to study the factors by using a system thinking model which shall be represented by a causal loop diagram. The research shall be inclined to consider the socioeconomic, environmental and occupational which are acting as factors to the development of chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology. The research shall also be intended towards analysing how these factors lead to kidney disease.