ABSTRACT
This study involved the assessment of nephrolithiasis risk factors among thirty one (n=31) assembly line workers exposed to heat stress. Assembly line workers working in normal temperature were used as a comparison group. Subjects were matched according to age, body mass index, length of employment and diet. Workplace temperatures were determined using a room thermometer for both groups. Urinary parameters measured include pH, specific gravity, volume, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, uric acid and creatinine. Results showed that the mean levels of urine volume (345.52 +/- 294.88 mL, p0.005483), sodium (121.97 +/- 64.23 mmol/L, p0.006441), calcium (3.39 +/- 2.90 mmol/L, p0.03173), uric acid (3.24 +/- 2.83 mmol/L, p0.046342) and creatinine (11698.93+9091.19 umol/L, p0.035313) were significantly higher in the test group compared to the comparison group. However, there was no significant difference noted in the mean levels of urine pH, specific gravity and phosphorus. The increased risk of nephrolithiasis as assessed in the study was mainly attributed to dehydration during the workshift. Likewise, metabolic acidosis can also provide a possible explanation for the findings