This systematic review examines the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in population-based studies, focusing on the performance of serum-creatinine-based equations for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation. The review includes 26 studies conducted in various populations, with participant numbers ranging from 237 to 65,181. The median prevalence of CKD was 7.2% in individuals aged 30 years or older, and it varied from 23.4% to 35.8% in those aged 64 years or older. The prevalence strongly depended on the estimating equations used, with the adjusted Cockcroft-Gault (CG) equation often yielding higher prevalence estimates compared to the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD) equation. The review highlights that CKD is becoming a significant public health issue worldwide, with higher prevalence in females, older age groups, and certain ethnic groups. Accurate detection and management of CKD remain challenging, particularly in special subgroups such as the elderly, females, and ethnic minorities. The study emphasizes the need for further research to improve GFR estimation methods and to address the growing burden of CKD.This systematic review examines the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in population-based studies, focusing on the performance of serum-creatinine-based equations for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation. The review includes 26 studies conducted in various populations, with participant numbers ranging from 237 to 65,181. The median prevalence of CKD was 7.2% in individuals aged 30 years or older, and it varied from 23.4% to 35.8% in those aged 64 years or older. The prevalence strongly depended on the estimating equations used, with the adjusted Cockcroft-Gault (CG) equation often yielding higher prevalence estimates compared to the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD) equation. The review highlights that CKD is becoming a significant public health issue worldwide, with higher prevalence in females, older age groups, and certain ethnic groups. Accurate detection and management of CKD remain challenging, particularly in special subgroups such as the elderly, females, and ethnic minorities. The study emphasizes the need for further research to improve GFR estimation methods and to address the growing burden of CKD.