Profiling Health Indicators: A Study of Protein and Cholesterol Levels among Male Medical Doctors in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: This research aimed to profile the health indicators of male medical doctors in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria, by examining protein and cholesterol concentrations. Methodology: This research adopted a cross-sectional study to investigate the health profile of practicing doctors in Aba, Abia State. The study focused on doctors aged forty years and above, encompassing both seasoned professionals and those in the early stages of their careers. The research was conducted during the zonal meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the Aba zone, coinciding with official clinic consultations. The sampling method employed was purposive, with participation based on voluntary consent. A targeted approach resulted in a cohort of 59 male doctors, chosen strategically to gain insights into the health status of this specific demographic. To assess their health parameters, blood samples were collected using standard venepuncture techniques. The samples were subsequently analyzed for concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, and cholesterol using an automatic biochemical analyzer. This approach allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the biochemical profile of the selected cohort, contributing valuable insights into the overall health and well-being of practicing male doctors in the region. Results: The findings of this study indicated that most of the doctors (59.32%) had total protein levels in the 6.0-6.9 mg/dL range. A considerable proportion of the population showed albumin concentrations in the 5.0-5.9 mg/dL (54.24%) and 4.0-4.9 mg/dL (44.07%) brackets. In terms of globulin, the majority of the doctors (52.54%) presented levels between 1.0-1.9 mg/dL. Cholesterol concentrations revealed that the largest group of doctors (33.90%) fell in the 4.0-4.9 mmol/L category, followed by those in the 3.0-3.9 mmol/L and 5.0-5.9 mmol/L brackets (25.42% and 23.73% respectively). Conclusion: These findings provide a valuable profile of health indicators among this population and may serve as a reference for further investigations to promote healthcare professionals' wellness. Future studies should also consider other potential determinants of these health markers, such as dietary habits, lifestyle, stress levels, and exercise routines.