Date of Graduation

Summer 8-11-2023

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

First Advisor

Deborah Kelch

Second Advisor

Taryn Vian

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is not only a public health concern that affects the health of people living in the United States, but also a global health concern affecting millions worldwide. Diabetes is the leading cause of CKD and when CKD is not managed, it can turn into a life-threatening condition known as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) where life is not sustainable without dialysis or a kidney transplant. Although CKD is prevalent among all populations in the United States, the Hispanic/Latino population suffers the most complications (Desai et al., 2019). In 1973, Congress extended Medicare services to people with ESRD no matter their age since thousands of people were suffering and dying from ESRD (Swaminathan et al., 2012). Nevertheless, the Hispanic/Latino population has remained at an ncreased risk of kidney disease progressing to ESRD compared to their white counterparts.

This project recommends that the Hispanic/Latino population receive culturally appropriate care to prevent kidney disease, and access to treatment through the services offered by Promotoras de Salud, or Community Health Workers (CHWs) in community health centers such as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). These services would include health screenings, educational classes, and promotion of preventive health services. In addition, Promotoras de Salud/CHWs could connect people to food pantries and enroll low-income Latino families into SNAP, thereby reducing food insecurity and its associated risk of chronic conditions like CKD/ESRD.

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