Unhealthy Behaviors and Metabolic Indices of Chronic Kidney Disease in a HCV Hyperendemic Area: A Community-Based Study

Abstract Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is related to a higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to investigate the relationships between unhealthy behaviors, metabolic indices, and HCV with CKD.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted as part of a community health promotion program in the HCV hyperendemic area of Taiwan between March and December 2019. Multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics were performed to investigate the association between CKD and HCV seropositivity.Results: A total of 2,387 patients completed the examination. HCV was related to a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), unhealthy dietary behaviors, and multiple metabolic indices including higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and triglycerides (TG), and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HCV was associated with a 44% higher risk of CKD compared to non-HCV (OR 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.98). Irregular exercise, waist circumference (WC), and higher HbA1c were significantly associated with a higher risk of CKD after multivariable analysis. A low eGFR was significantly associated with the severity of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the HCV group (median eGFR of 86.4, 77.1, and 64.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 for individuals with one, three, and five MetS components, respectively).Conclusions: HCV seropositivity, metabolic distortion, and irregular exercise are significantly associated with CKD. Effective treatment of HCV and aggressive health promotion of physical activity may prevent the occurrence of CKD.