New Study Reveals Why Immigrants from Caribbean and Asia Face Higher Kidney Disease Risk

A groundbreaking study from Scarborough, Canada, has uncovered alarming disparities in kidney disease rates among immigrant communities. Researchers found that immigrants from the Caribbean, Philippines, and Sri Lanka are six to 12 times more likely to require dialysis than Canadian-born residents, even after decades of living in Canada with access to universal healthcare.

What Makes This Study Different from Previous Research?

Dr. Tabo Sikaneta, a nephrologist at Scarborough Health Network, led this comprehensive research after noticing his dialysis patients didn't reflect the diversity of Scarborough's population. The study examined two groups: 1,116 dialysis patients over four years and 1,281 people with earlier-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) over three years.

What sets this research apart is its focus on country of birth rather than just ethnicity. "The very first 10 patients didn't represent Scarborough; it was already very evident," Sikaneta explained about his initial observations.

Why Country of Birth Matters More Than Time in Canada

The study revealed several key findings that challenge assumptions about immigrant health:

• Geographic Origin: Immigrants from Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and South Asia showed faster progression of chronic kidney disease compared to other groups
• Duration Impact: Length of time spent in Canada does not reduce kidney disease risk, suggesting early-life factors play a crucial role
• Predictive Power: Country of birth proved to be a stronger predictor of dialysis risk than ethnicity alone

These findings suggest that shared early-life exposures, environmental factors, and possible genetic risks from countries of origin continue to influence health outcomes long after immigration.

What Does This Mean for Early Detection?

Maureen Skeete's story illustrates the study's real-world implications. The 70-year-old from Barbados now requires overnight dialysis three times a week after her kidney disease went undetected until it was too late. "Back home, you never heard about people having kidney problems," Skeete shared about her experience.

Chronic kidney disease affects about one in 10 Canadians and 850 million people worldwide, making it the ninth leading cause of death globally. However, simple blood and urine tests can detect kidney problems early, and medications can slow or even prevent progression to dialysis.

The research team hopes these findings will prompt targeted early screening programs for high-risk immigrant communities. By identifying at-risk populations based on country of birth, healthcare providers could implement preventive measures before kidney disease progresses to the point where dialysis becomes necessary.

This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of kidney disease disparities in Canada's most diverse urban area, where 60% of residents are immigrants and 77% are non-white. The findings could reshape how healthcare systems approach kidney disease prevention in immigrant communities across North America.