Work stress, dietary patterns, and physical activity on metabolic and hepatic biomarkers among healthcare professionals in Ghana

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between lifestyle exposures (work stress, dietary patterns, and physical activity) and metabolic and hepatic biomarkers among healthcare professionals in Ghana. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 119 participants at the Kibi Government Hospital. The survey included demographic and lifestyle questionnaires, work stress assessments, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical analyses. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Binary logistic regression models were applied to determine the associations. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS was 11.0%, with high blood pressure (29.7%) and abdominal obesity (57.1%) being the most prevalent MetS components. The majority of participants reported high stress levels (60.4%), and 59.7% engaged in moderate physical activity. Approximately 65.3% had AST/ALT greater than 1. Four dietary patterns were identified: Western Pattern, Traditional mixed pattern, Protein-rich pattern, and Fruit and Dairy pattern. Moderate and high adherence to the Western dietary pattern were significantly associated with increased odds of abdominal obesity (Tertile 2: OR 3.244, 95% CI 1.219-8.629, p-value 0.018, Tertile 3: OR 4.231, 95% CI 1.550-11.546, p-value 0.005). A non-significant association was also observed between elevated triglycerides and ALT (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.998-1.05, p = 0.066). CONCLUSION: This study highlights a considerable burden of metabolic risk factors among hospital staff in Ghana, with abdominal obesity and elevated blood pressure being the most prevalent components of metabolic syndrome. High work stress levels, moderate physical activity, and elevated AST/ALT ratios (indicating a predominance of hepatocellular injury and suggesting potential liver dysfunction) were also common. Greater adherence to the western dietary pattern was significantly associated with increased odds of abdominal obesity while marginal association was observed between elevated triglycerides and ALT. These findings highlight the need for regular screening for metabolic risk factors and liver function among health professionals. Healthcare institutions should introduce targeted interventions such as nutrition education and improved access to healthy food options to prevent related complications such as liver cirrhosis and diabetes.