Spirituality may help reduce end-stage kidney disease risk

Researchers from Vanderbilt’s Division of Nephrology and Hypertension have identified an under-studied characteristic that may have a protective effect on end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) risk among vulnerable populations.

The study, led by Devika Nair, MD, MSCI, assistant professor of Medicine within the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, found that adults who self-identified as Black and reported high levels of spirituality had a statistically significant reduced risk for developing ESKD — independent of demographics, other psychosocial factors and lifestyle behaviors.