ABSTRACT 

Background: Outdoor workers experience prolonged exposure to heat, solar radiation and strenuous physical activity, which may promote dehydration and kidney stress. This study assessed self-reported kidney stress symptoms and associated factors among outdoor workers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 outdoor workers. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, outdoor work exposure, hydration practices and kidney stress symptoms. Symptoms assessed included dark urine, oliguria, dysuria, flank or back pain and leg or stomach cramps. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests in SPSS. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
Results: Of the participants, 82 (54.7%) were male, while 58 (38.7%) were aged 40–49 years. Most participants worked outdoors daily, 122 (81.3%), and 121 (80.6%) spent at least 6 hours outdoors each day. Leg or stomach cramps were the most common symptom, reported by 28 (18.7%) participants, followed by dark urine, 12 (8.0%); flank or back pain, 8 (5.3%); oliguria, 6 (4.0%); and dysuria, 2 (1.3%). Dark urine was significantly more common among participants with poor hydration practices than among those with good hydration practices, 16.7% versus 3.9% (χ²=7.20, p=0.007). Heat-exposure classification was significantly associated with oliguria (χ²=26.56, p<0.001), although oliguria occurred more frequently among those classified as not heat exposed.
Conclusion: Kidney stress symptoms were generally uncommon, although muscular cramps and dark urine occurred most frequently. Poor hydration practice was significantly associated with dark urine. Workplace interventions should promote adequate hydration, rest breaks, shade and early evaluation of recurrent symptoms.

KEYWORDS

outdoor workers; kidney stress; heat exposure; dehydration; Port Harcourt

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Cite this article

Tamunobelema T.I, Emem-Chioma P.C, David-West M, Zaccheaus M, Achi-Kalu E, Okwuosi M, Enwurum J, Nkangwu D, Idoma E, Allison F.I (2026). Pattern of Kidney Stress Symptoms and Associated Factors among Outdoor Workers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH & MEDICAL RESEARCH, 5(8), 804-812. https://doi.org/10.58806/ijhmr.2026.v5i8n11