Abstract
Background: Hyperglycemia, characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, often leads to diabetes mellitus and severe complications if unmanaged. Globally, hyperglycemia is a pressing public health issue, exacerbated by increasing diabetes prevalence. In sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, the rise in diabetes cases is alarming, necessitating urgent health interventions. Concurrently, dyslipidemia, marked by abnormal lipid levels, contributes significantly to cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to investigate the comorbidity of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia among factory workers in an urban center in Ghana, providing insights into this high-risk group's health status.
Methods: Conducted between January 2023 and December 2023 at a food processing factory in Tema, Ghana, this cross-sectional study included 230 participants. Blood samples were analyzed for glucose and lipid profiles using automated chemistry analyzers. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software to assess glucose and lipid parameters, and their prevalence was compared across age and gender groups.
Results: The study revealed a gender imbalance with 93% males and 7% females. Most participants (62.2%) were over 40 years old. Hyperglycemia prevalence was 10.9%, predominantly affecting those over 40. Dyslipidemia was observed in 65.7% of participants, with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) being the most prevalent abnormality. Comorbidity of both hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia was notably higher in individuals over 40 years.
Conclusion: This study highlights significant health issues among factory workers, including high rates of dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia, particularly in older adults. The findings underscore the need for targeted health interventions to manage these conditions and mitigate cardiovascular risk, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and regular health screenings in occupational settings.
Keywords
Dyslipidemia, Hyperglycemia, Comorbidity, Diabetes mellitus, Lipid profile, Glucose, Cholesterol