Assessment of nutritional status of radiological technicians at Minufiya governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the nutritional status of radiological technicians and to identify their nutritional and health problems.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 80 adult radiological technicians aged 33.4±7.9 yr were chosen from hospitals and clinical settings in Minufiya governorate, Egypt. Data about socioeconomic status, health history, food habits, food consumption pattern, and food intake were collected. Blood samples were collected for the determination of haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells, packed cell volume (PCV), leukocytes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and immunoglobulin.

Findings

Radiological technicians in this study have shown some signs of diseases as manifested by shortening of breath (26.3 percent), heart disturbances (6.3 percent), paleness of skin (30 percent), fatigue (57.5 percent), yellowness of face and hands (11.3 percent), loss of body weight (27.5 percent), loss of appetite (25 percent). About 30 percent of studied cases showed bad food habits. There was a decrease in mean Hb concentration and PCV values when compared with normal values. Activities of ALT and AST were found to be higher or equal to maximum normal values. The majority of subjects were found to be either overweight (42.5 percent) or obese (17.8 percent). Studied subjects failed to satisfy their requirements for energy, calcium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and dietary iron.

Originality/value

In conclusion, the radiological technicians in this study had health problems as shown by health history and blood analysis. Moreover, a considerable percentage of them had bad food habits and they failed to satisfy their nutritional requirements from essential nutrients.

Citation

Mahmoud Nassar, O. (2011), "Assessment of nutritional status of radiological technicians at Minufiya governorate, Egypt", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 41 No. 5, pp. 344-351. https://doi.org/10.1108/00346651111170932