Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of CKD and associated factors in a rural adult population in Northern China. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using data from the Handan Eye Study. A total of 5,105 subjects aged 6 30 years were included in this analysis. Spot urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio was determined. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated with the modified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. CKD was defined by the guidelines proposed by the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative. The associations between age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney damage were examined. Results: Albuminuria and reduced renal function were detected in 16.8 and 0.4% of subjects, respectively. The age-standardized prevalence of albuminuria, reduced renal function and CKD was 14.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 13.9-15.9), 0.38% (95% CI 0.21-0.55) and 15.2% (95% CI 14.2-16.2), respectively. The prevalence of CKD was greater in women than in men (16.7 vs. 12.9%, respectively, p < 0.001). The increased prevalence of CKD with increasing age was observed in both genders. Older age, female gender, diabetes and hypertension were independently associated with albuminuria. Older age was independently associated with reduced renal function. Conclusion: The prevalence of CKD in the rural Chinese population is relatively high. Factors associated with CKD are similar to those of urban areas in China and developed countries. CKD is a major public health problem in rural China. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel