Ferreira, Ana CarinaFerreira, Ana CarinaFarinha, AnaAlmeida, Edgar2025-10-022025-10-022025-09-012048-8505PURE: 131034200PURE UUID: 45c580a5-4505-4dd7-998b-c44d7ce7b68bScopus: 105016612192http://hdl.handle.net/10362/188942Funding Information: The authors acknowledge the support of Microsoft Copilot, an AI assistant, in refining the English language of this manuscript. Written consent was obtained from all participants prior to entering the protocol. Consent to take part in the study was recorded in each patient\u2019s notes. The local institutional ethics committee (Nova Medical School) approved this study.This study was funded by an unrestricted grant from Astra Zeneca. Publisher Copyright: © The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the ERA.Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health concern associated with increased cardiovascular risks. In Portugal, the high burden of CKD highlights the urgent need for early detection strategies. The primary aim of this study was to assess the presence of albuminuria in the Portuguese general population while raising awareness of CKD. Methods An epidemiological, cross-sectional study screened 601 individuals for albuminuria using urine test strips, employing a door-to-door approach across the five regions of mainland Portugal (screening study), with 592 valid results included in the final analysis. In parallel, an awareness campaign distributed 17 000 urine test strips, with 704 participants submitting their results through an online platform (awareness study). Results The screening occurred in a healthy population, with >70% (screening study) and >87% (awareness study) of the individuals reporting no known personal health history. The presence of albuminuria was detected in 5.1% of the screening study population and 3.4% of the awareness study participants. In both studies, significant associations were found between albuminuria and risk factors, such as age, education level, CKD and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. Regional disparities were also observed. In the screening study, multivariate analysis identified education level (P = .011), CKD (P < .0001) and autoimmune diseases (P = .009) as independent predictors of albuminuria. Conclusions These findings highlight albuminuria as a critical early marker for CKD and cardiovascular risks. The results support the need for targeted screening and public health initiatives, particularly in high-risk and younger populations.841485engalbuminuriachronic kidney diseasescreeningNephrologyTransplantationSDG 3 - Good Health and Well-beingjournal article10.1093/ckj/sfaf240https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105016612192