A Study of Correlation of Anthropometric Data with Atherogenic Indices of Students of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Aim: The aim of the study was to correlate anthropometric data with atherogenic indices of students in Rivers State University, Port Harcourt as a means of assessing their cardiovascular health.

Study Design: A pilot study was carried out in Rivers State University, Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study was conducted within a period of 4 months (June – September, 2018). A total of 82 students were selected from the recruitment process after consenting to participate in the study. Atherogenic indices (after determination of lipid parameters values) and anthropometric measurements were done at the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Methodology: Five millitres (5mls) of fasting blood samples were collected into lithium heparin bottles and spun at 3500 rpm for 5 minutes to obtain plasma. Total cholesterol (TC) and Triglyceride (TG) were assayed based on enzymatic methods. High density lipoprotein (HDL) was assayed using precipitation and enzymatic method while low density lipoprotein (LDL) was calculated using Friedewald equation. After determination of lipid parameters, atherogenic indices were computed as ratios of these lipid parameters. Anthropometric measurements were collected using stadiometer, non-stretchable tape and weighing scale.

Results: Significant increases were seen in both atherogenic indices and anthropometric data of obese (OBS) and overweight (OVW) students compared to ideal weight (NOM) students. Correlation of anthropometric data with atherogenic indices in obese (OBS) students indicated significant positive correlation between WC with NHDL and CRI-2 as well as between WHR with NHDL, AC, CRI-1 and CRI-2.

Conclusion: Obesity is a strong factor among students that induces atherogenic hyperlipoproteinaemia and thus, CVD risks. Also, WHR and WC correlates strongly with atherogenic indices such as NHDL, AC, CRI-1 and CRI-2 and therefore, were seen as better and sensitive anthropometric parameters for predicting cardiovascular risks compared to WHtR and BMI.