Elucidate the relationship between occupation-related indicators, lifestyles, and psychological well-being with renal health among teachers in Peninsular Malaysia – a study protocol

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BACKGROUND: Teachers face substantial occupational stress from their demanding schedules and administrative burdens, increasing their risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although national CKD data are established in Malaysia, evidence on kidney health among teachers are scarce. This remains an important gap given that CKD is often asymptomatic at its early stages. METHODS: This study involves two phases: a cross-sectional phase to assess the prevalence of abnormal renal health among teachers from the "Clustering of lifestyle risk factors and Understanding its association with Stress on health and wellbeing among school Teachers in Malaysia" study (CLUSTer), excluding those with baseline CKD, and a follow-up phase. Variables include sociodemographic, clinical, occupational, lifestyle, anthropometric, psychological, laboratory parameters, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and CKD events. The study aims to link occupational, lifestyles, and physiological well-being with CKD among teachers, offering a broader perspective than single-variable alone. RESULTS: The CLUSTer study enrolled 14,144 teachers at baseline, predominantly female, Malay, and degree holders. Researchers will derive eGFR values from baseline serum creatinine to characterise renal status and investigate risk factors for abnormal eGFR status and determine new CKD events in the second study phase. CONCLUSIONS: The findings will inform the development of workplace wellness programmes tailored to the unique demands of the education sector, which essential to ultimately reduce the CKD risk among the educators.