Assessment of Self-Reported Metabolic Parameters Among Pakistani Doctors

Abstract

Background: Pakistan is already in a noticeable epidemiological transition that is being infected disease to non-communicable, chronic diseases. Among them, steatotic liver disease that is metabolically dysfunction-related (MASLD) and other metabolic diseases have emerged as a serious health issue of concern to people. It is also possible that healthcare professionals and especially physicians are also vulnerable to the same fate as the general population, most of the time because of long-working hours, stress, and poor lifestyle choices.

Hypothesis: The purpose of this research was to assess self-reported measures of metabolic health and lifestyle habits among the working physicians in Pakistan. It was also aimed at identifying the prevalence and early warning of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among this medically informed population.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted on 398 Pakistani medical practitioners in different regions of Pakistan. The respondents used a self-administered questionnaire that was structured and included data on demographic, body measurements, glycemic control (HbA1c), lipid profile, physical activity, dietary and smoking habits, and perceived stress. The statistical analysis included descriptive statistical analysis and frequency analysis.

Results: The mean height of the participants was 167.84 ± 3.59 cm and the mean weight of the participants was 65.64 ± 7.71 kg and the mean BMI of the participants was 23.33 ± 1.95 kg/m 2. Most of them were married (71.6), non-smokers (78.9), and more than half (53.8) indicated that they did not engage in a regular workout program. The frequency of those who exercised was 3.33 ± 1.29 per week. The average professional experience was 8.88 years and standard deviation of 5.36 years.

The awareness of health parameters of own health was high. About 93 percent were aware of their blood pressure with an average that was 128.39 + 8.06 mmHg (systolic) and 96.16 + 4.91 mmHg (diastolic). Likewise, 91.7% knew their body levels of fasting blood glucose (135.92±4.82mg/dl), and 88.2% had been subjected to HbA 1c tests, which had a mean of 5.972.46. The levels of lipid profile components were also well-known and the average showed total cholesterol 174.86 ± 17.11 mg/dL, LDL 84.24 ± 12.47 mg/dL, HDL 55.95 ± 16.16 mg/dL, and triglycerides 133.43 ± 17.92 mg/dL.

Conclusion: Although there is an impressive degree of awareness about metabolic health indicators of Pakistani doctors is present, physical inactivity still stands out as a significant shortcoming that may ultimately dispose of this group to metabolic problems.

Keywords: Metabolic Health, Physicians, Lifestyle Assessment, Self-reported Data, Pakistan