Abstract:
A descriptive, case-control study, conducted in Sudan, Khartoum State,
during the period of May to August 2007. Analytical and statistical methods
were applied to estimate the levels of plasma sodium and potassium in people
who worked under direct sun heat exposure, and to assess the changes that
could be caused.
A total of 80 males – both test and control subjects – were involved in this
study , in which 50 males were the test subjects, having an average age of
(30±7) years, including 34 were traffic control policemen, and 16 were
constructors, both working under direct sun heat exposure. 30 were the control
subjects, having an average age of (31±4.5) years, which were bankers, and
working under cold, air-conditioned environment, thus, not exposed to sun heat.
A questionnaire was filled with the required information. A blood sample from
each subject was taken; specimens were analyzed for plasma sodium and
potassium. The results were statistically analyzed.
The results obtained showed that, there was a highly significant difference
between the means of plasma sodium concentration levels, among the test
group, which was lower, compared to the control group, with a P value of
(0.00). In addition, there was a highly significant difference between the means
of plasma potassium concentration levels, among the test group, which was
lower, compared to the control group, with a P value of (0.00).
This study concluded that, there was an effect of heat exposure on plasma
sodium and potassium causing considerable depletion, due to the excessive
sweating caused by the heat stress. Further studies should be conducted for
assessment of heat stress effect on the body’s systems.
