Health status and measurement of some liver function parameters of staff in Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, Bayelsa State

Abstract

Background: A good health program is necessary to optimize health care opportunities so as to make appropriate adjustments for optimal service delivery by our health workers in all health sectors.

Aim: To determine some hepatic function parameters as a correlate of health status amongst staff of Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital,Okolobiri.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among  hospital staff from 1st July to 30th August 2012.The participants blood samples were analyzed for total protein, albumin, Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Gamma-glutamyl Transferase (GGT) and Total Bilirubin (T-Bil) using automated piccolo analyzer.

Results: A total of 100 staff were studied, comprising 53(53%) of males and 47(47%) of females. The mean ages of the staff were 37.1± 10.7years. The plasma albumin levels of between 36-50g/L was found in 90% of staff, 48% had total protein of between 62-80g/L,77% had AST level of between 11-38IU, 84% had ALT level of between 10-47IU,81% of staff had GGT of 5-65IU while 89% had total bilirubin of between 0.2-1.6mg/dl. The mean values of AST, ALT, GGT and total bilirubin were significantly higher in males (p<0.05) than females whereas albumin and total protein though higher in males than females were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Majority of the staff were of good health status and had hepatic profile similar to those of other studies. 

Keywords: Liver Function test parameters, Health status, Medical screening