In the US, 37 million people are currently suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). According to the National Kidney Foundation, African Americans and Latinx are 3 and 1.3 times, respectively, more likely to have kidney failure than Whites, indicating faster disease progression and poorer managemen. We aim to explore the implementation of culturally sensitive solutions to improve health outcomes among African American and Latinx CKD patients through our research. Our focus is to understand the feasibility of engaging community health workers (CHWs) in the care of African American and Latinx CKD patients. Based on the perceptions of patients, family members, healthcare providers, and representatives of health organizations, we will examine how CHWs can contribute to CKD care, and better understand the barriers and opportunities associated with engaging CHWs in the care of African American and Latinx CKD patients.

African American and Latinx patients possess distinct cultural norms and values, and the current healthcare system lacks sensitivity when it comes to cultural diversity. Poor health communication and mistrust are common problems encountered by these patients leading to non-adherence to CKD treatment, poorer quality of life, and higher morbidity and mortality rates. Our study seeks to understand how these groups may be better supported if CHWs are more engaged in CKD care. CHWs are non-traditional health workers that serve the communities to which they belong. This proximity enhances access and trust with community members. CHWs have been invaluable to address health disparities across various health conditions. Limited research has examined the role of CHWs in the context of CKD and the current proposal will address this important shortcoming. Areas of interested include language barriers and healthcare mistrust, early detection, home dialysis, and health promotion (kidney-friendly diet and regular exercise).

This proposal advances research related to CKD because of its focus on African American and Latinx patients, who are often underrepresented when it comes to scientific innovations and their benefits. By opening a new avenue of inquiry at the intersection of health equity and CKD, federal funding agencies, healthcare provider organizations, and health insurance companies may increase their interest in the potential of CHWs to help meet the health care needs of underrepresented communities. In addition, this proposal sends a strong message to members of those communities that their health matters and that CHWs can serve important societal needs by improving the trust, quality, and cultural sensitivity of CKD healthcare services. Our research outcomes might lead to creating a scalable health ecosystem model that can benefit underserved CKD patients in Illinois and help them live healthier lives. Research outcomes will improve CHW’s efficiency and underscore their potential as frontline health workers.