NCDs Made Easy Program: A Web-Based Telehealth Platform for Early Detection and Management of Chronic Kidney Diseases and Related Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases

Background: The “NCDs Made Easy” program is a web-based telehealth platform designed to facilitate early detection, management, and research of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. This study evaluates the platform’s effectiveness in a resource-limited setting in Africa. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational cross-sectional study involving 600 adult participants from a remote village near Damanhur city, Egypt. The study utilized telemedicine for data entry, physical measures, and blood and urine sampling, performed by trained paramedical staff and community volunteers under supervision by nephrologists. Data were collected, coded, and uploaded automatically by the program into an Excel file, then statistically analyzed using Stata/SE ？ version 14.2. The primary outcomes were the incidence of CKD, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Secondary outcomes included CKD/NCD risk factors and participants’ NCDs literacy. Results: The study included 600 participants, with 65.5% being female. The mean age was 42.22 ± 12.05 years. Hypertension was prevalent in 19.67% of participants, with 27 new cases identified, and 50% of hypertensive participants had uncontrolled blood pressure. Obesity was assessed in 571 participants, with a mean BMI of 31.69 ± 7.84 kg/m² and 38% showing visceral obesity. Diabetes mellitus was present in 11.33% of participants, with 6 new cases and 20 prediabetic cases identified. CKD evidence was assessed through urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by CKD Epi equation, with proteinuria detected in 8.54% of participants. Serum creatinine and eGFR were measured, classifying CKD stages according to Kidney disease improving global outcome (KDIGO) CKD guidelines. Discussion: The “NCDs Made Easy” program effectively identified undiagnosed cases of hypertension, diabetes, and CKD, highlighting the importance of regular screening and early intervention. The platform’s integration of evidence-based guidelines into a digital format allows for standardized management, optimizing pre-ESRD care and addressing workforce shortages by enabling non-specialist personnel to implement professional guidelines. The automatic data extraction and coding into Excel files support comprehensive data analysis and public health strategy development.