ASSESSMENT OF LIPID PROFILE IN AUTOMOBILE MECHANICS IN EKPOMA, EDO STATE
*Festus O. O., Ebaluegbeifoh L. O., Iyevhobu L. O. K., Dada F. L. and Iweka F. K.
ABSTRACT
Automobile mechanics are professionals who specialize in the repair and maintenance of cars of various sizes. By nature of their job, they are constantly exposed to gasoline fumes or premium motor spirit. Hyperlipidaemia is well known to be one of the major basic factors for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease which can be modified either by proper life style changes or medical management or by the combination of both. This study was carried out to assess the plasma lipid profile in automobile mechanics in Ekpoma and environs, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 100 individuals comprising of 60 automobile mechanics and 40 apparently healthy individuals as controls were recruited for the study. Plasma levels of total cholesterol (CHL), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) were determined using standard enzymatic methods and also, their body mass index (BMI) were determined. The mean±SD values of CHL, TG, HDL, LDL, VLDL and BMI of automobile mechanics were 7.51 ± 2.78, 2.08 ±1.01, 1.27 ±0.21, 5.39 ±2.70, 0.94 ±0.46 and 19.78 ±2.59 respectively. The result showed significant higher levels of CHL (p<0.05), TG (p<0.05), LDL (p<0.05) and VLDL (p<0.05) when compared with the control. There were no significant difference (p>0.05) in HDL and BMI level of both groups. When the lipid profile of automobile mechanics were compared according to age rang, significant different (p<0.05) were observed in TC and LDL. Therefore, there is a likelihood that automobile mechanics are at high risk of hyperlipidaemia which is associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. This effect is due to constant exposure to gasoline vapour through mouth sucking, washing of arms, inhalation and aging.
Keywords: Hyperlipidaemia, mouth sucking, washing of arms, inhalation and aging.
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