Comparative Evaluation of Electrolyte, Urea, Creatinine and Anion Gap among Office and Roadside Workers in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

Abstract

The occupational environment significantly impacts health, particularly renal function, through factors such as hydration, dietary patterns, and exposure to environmental pollutants. This study aimed to compare the levels of electrolytes, urea, and creatinine in office workers and roadside workers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, to assess occupational disparities in biochemical markers of renal and metabolic health. A total of 100 participants were recruited, comprising 50 office workers and 50 roadside workers. Blood samples were analyzed for urea, creatinine, sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), bicarbonate (HCO3), and anion gap. Data was analyzed statistically using SPSS with significance set at p≤0.05. The results showed that roadside workers had significantly higher levels of urea (4.93 ± 1.32 mmol/L vs. 4.32 ± 0.34 mmol/L, p=0.049) and creatinine (109.5 ± 20.47 µmol/L vs. 82.62 ± 13.87 µmol/L, p=0.0033). Conversely, office workers exhibited higher potassium levels (5.10 ± 0.048 mmol/L vs. 3.98 ± 0.018 mmol/L, p=0.001). No significant differences were observed for bicarbonate, chloride, or sodium between the groups. The anion gap was significantly higher in roadside workers (40.29 vs. 32.64, p=0.001). Among office workers, females had higher sodium (150.81 ± 0.007 mmol/L vs. 138.67 ± 0.024 mmol/L, p<0.001) and chloride levels (94.67 ± 0.018 mmol/L vs. 88.52 ± 0.041 mmol/L (p=0.020). Among roadside workers, females showed higher creatinine levels (96.21 ± 22.0 µmol/L vs. 86.9 ± 18.9 µmol/L, p=0.01) and lower sodium levels (140.61 ± 0.29 mmol/L vs. 146.77 ± 0.037 mmol/L, p<0.001). Age-stratified analyses indicated that older roadside workers (31 years and above) exhibited higher urea, creatinine, and sodium levels, with significant differences in urea (p=0.023), creatinine (p=0.041), and sodium (p<0.001). Among office workers, older individuals also showed significantly elevated sodium levels (p=0.02). From these results, we suggest that roadside workers face greater renal and metabolic challenges, likely attributable to occupational and environmental stressors. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including improved hydration, dietary support, and environmental protections, to mitigate health risks in vulnerable occupational groups.