Association of socioeconomic condition with serum uric acid, urea & creatinine profile of women reproductive age in some selected areas of Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: In the human body the kidney plays a significant role in the homeostatic mechanism. Any disruption in kidney functionality is reflected through high levels of serum creatinine, urea and uric acid. Disruption in kidney functionality can be associated with the nutritional status of a population and their socioeconomic conditions. However, information is limited on the association between socioeconomic conditions and abnormal kidney function markers in women of reproductive age (WRA). Therefore, the goal of the study was to determine the association of socioeconomic condition and nutritional status with serum uric acid, urea and creatinine of WRA in selected areas of Bangladesh. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was directed among 178 WRA in different places of Bangladesh (rural Chittagong, rural Gazipur, Meherpur and Kushtia, Shatkhira). Data on demographic, socioeconomic and anthropometric variables were collected. Blood samples were also collected. DIALAB GmbH semi-automatic biochemistry analyzer DTN-405 (Austria) was used to conduct biochemical tests of the blood samples. Logistic regression analysis was used to control the association between kidney function abnormalities and associated factors. Results: The study results showed that about 23.6% of the study participants were underweight, 56.7 % had normal body mass index (BMI) whereas 19.7% of participants were overweight or obese. The average (mean ± SD) serum levels (mg/dl) were 5.74±2.07 for uric acid, 17.93±9.83 for urea, and 0.89±0.28 for creatinine and 92.18±35.86 mL/min/1.73 m² for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Elevated levels of creatinine, uric acid, and urea were observed in 27%, 31.5%, and 41% of the participants, respectively. Additionally, chronic kidney disease (CKD) vi was identified in 18% of the participants. Overall, normal kidney function markers were found among about 31% of the respondents, while 5% showed elevated levels for all three markers. The odds of having at least one or more elevated kidney function markers were significantly higher (AOR=2.8; 95% CI: 1.22-6.42; p < 0.05) among individuals with a BMI greater than 18.5 kg/m² compared to underweight women. After adjusting for related factors, BMI was found to be significantly associated with the risk of elevated kidney function markers. Conclusion: The study found that only one-third of the WRA had all normal kidney function markers. After adjusting for related factors BMI was found to be significantly associated with the risk of elevated kidney function markers. The findings highlight alarming information about women’s health and suggest that routine analysis is desirable to improve women’s health in our country. Further studies are required with a larger sample size to understand deeply and assist the relevant ministries in policy making.