Objective: chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasing common problem in the world due to the exponential growth of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and other risk factors. The aim of this study is to investigate urinary abnormalities and risk factors for kidney disease in the general population. Methods: this study was performed from data collected during the annual World Kidney Day (WKD) campaigns, in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, between 2009 and 2012. The population sought assistance spontaneously in stands placed in high people-traffic areas. Results: among 2,637 individuals interviewed, the mean age was 50.7±15.7 years and 53% were male. The main risk factors found were sedentarism (60.7%), obesity (22.7%) and smoking (19.8%). Blood pressure (BP) > 140x90 mmHg was found in 877 (33%). Increased BP was found for the first time in 527 cases (19.9%). Cardiovascular diseases were reported in 228 (8.6%). Diabetes was related by 343 (13%). Capillary blood glucose > 200 mg/dL was found in 127 (4.8%) and it was > 200 mg/dL for the first time in 30 (1.13%). Urinalysis was performed in 1,151 people and found proteinuria in 269 (23.3%). Proteinuria was most frequent in hypertension people (77.3% vs. 55.8%, p=0.0001), diabetes mellitus (22.7% vs. 15.2%, p=0.005) and elderly (42.1% vs. 30.7%, p=0.0007). Conclusion: risk factors for CKD are frequent in the general population. Many individuals had hypertension and diabetes and did not know this. It is important to regularly perform actions like WKD in order to early detect potential candidates for CKD.