DEMOGRAPHIC DETERMINANTS AND PREVALENCE OF ABNORMAL SERUM URIC ACID LEVELS AMONG APPARENTLY HEALTHY NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Serum uric acid levels are influenced by demographic factors including gender, age, and lifestyle behaviors. Abnormal levels are associated with gout, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. However, population-specific data among young Nigerian adults remains limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of abnormal serum uric acid levels and their association with demographic characteristics among apparently healthy Medical Laboratory Science students at the University of Jos, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 100 randomly selected apparently healthy students (54 males, 46 females). Serum uric acid was analyzed using the enzymatic uricase-peroxidase method. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with SPSS version 21. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. The overall prevalence of hyperuricaemia was 16%, with females showing significantly higher rates (26.1%) compared to males (7.4%). Hypouricaemia was observed in only 1% of participants. Mean serum uric acid levels for males and females were 5.3 ± 1.5 mg/dL and 5.0 ± 1.5 mg/dL respectively (p > .05). Age-specific means ranged from 4.5 ± 1.2 mg/dL (31–35 years) to 5.7 ± 1.4 mg/dL (≤20 years), with no significant differences across groups (p = .82). Academic level, physical exercise, alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking did not significantly influence uric acid levels (p > .05 for all). While mean serum uric acid levels were within normal ranges, the 16% prevalence of asymptomatic hyperuricaemia—particularly among females—indicates a need for routine screening and early lifestyle interventions. Demographic factors did not significantly influence uric acid levels, suggesting that metabolic stability exists across subgroups.