Evaluation of White Blood Cell Parameters and Platelets between High Intake Alcohol and Non-Alcohol Consumers in Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Alcohol consumption may influence certain haematological parameters, including circulating white blood cells and platelets. This study compared selected white blood cell indices and platelet counts between high-intake alcohol consumers and non-alcohol consumers in Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study involving 100 adults aged 18–50 years was conducted. Fifty participants were categorised as high-intake alcohol consumers and 50 as non-alcohol consumers. Venous blood samples were collected from participants using a vacutainer needle into EDTA containers and analysed using a five-part automated haematology analyser. White blood cell count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, eosinophils and platelet count were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, with statistical significance set at p≤0.05. Results: Mean white blood cell count was 5.23±1.45 ×10⁹/L in the alcohol-consuming group and 5.08±1.52 ×10⁹/L in the non-alcohol-consuming group. No statistically significant between-group differences were reported for total white blood cell count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, eosinophils or platelet count. Correlations between age and the measured haematological parameters among alcohol-consuming participants were also not statistically significant. No significant differences in the evaluated parameters were reported between male and female alcohol-consuming participants. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the measured white blood cell parameters and platelet counts did not differ significantly between high-intake alcohol consumers and non-alcohol consumers in Okrika.