Lipid profile, blood pressure and body mass index of male waste pickers in Osogbo, Nigeria

Abstract

Waste pickers are exposed to various harmful substances capable of altering many physiologic processes. The aim of this study is to determine whether waste picking can result in dyslipidemia or abnormal blood pressure. The study was carried out in Osogbo, where 30 waste pickers and another 30 age-matched males who have not been in waste disposal business that served as control group were recruited. Body Mass Index (BMI) as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) of each participant was obtained. The sera obtained from 5 mL of blood after an over-night fast were utilized to determine the lipid profile using standard photometric methods. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The level of statistical significance was p ≤ 0.05. Data obtained revealed that there were no significant differences between waste pickers and control with respect to the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). Of all the components of lipid profile, only HDL-C was negatively correlated with systolic BP (r = -0.416, p = 0.022) and diastolic BP (r = -0.386, p = 0.035). While it is generally accepted that waste picking may result in many pathological conditions, abnormal lipid profile and altered blood pressure were not detected in waste pickers in Osogbo (Nigeria).

Assessment of Lipid and Atherogenic Profile of Scavengers at Refuse Dumpsites in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

“…This is an indication that the exposed individuals (scavengers) were not sufficiently exposed to harmful substances that could have modulated or alter the levels of their body lipid. This observation is also consistent with the report of Olude et al [3] among rag pickers in Osogbo. Also, the moderate total cholesterol levels recorded in both exposed and non-exposed individuals could be attributed to the lower body mass index, since lower BMI correlates positively with lower total cholesterol [16].…”

“…The result of HDL-C showed that there was The mean value of low density lipoprotien cholesterol for exposed and non-exposed individuals, showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) from each other. This is similar with the findings of Olude et al [3], who reported no significant (p>0.05) difference between exposed subjects and non-exposed subjects. The values of LDL recorded for exposed individuals (scavengers) and non-exposed individuals (control) fell below ≥ 3.36 mmol/L, American Heart Association cut off point reported by Rinaldi et al [15].…”

“…The gathering of recyclable materials is done at dumpsites often times without any form of personnel protective equipment (PPE) for health and safety of these scavengers. As a result, they are exposed to hazardous chemicals and materials with potentials of altering lipid sequence, causing respiratory disorder and other inimical health challenges [3]. Serum lipid levels have been reported to be influenced by environmental factors such as exposure to chemicals, anthropometric and demographic factors [4].…”