Prevalence and Associated Factors of Hyperuricemia among Adults in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Hospital-based Study

Abstract

Background: Hyperuricemia is a growing global health concern associated with many metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. However, limited data exist on its prevalence and associated risk factors in Nigerian populations, particularly in the Niger Delta region. Objective: To determine the prevalence of hyperuricemia and identify associated risk factors among adult patients attending the general outpatient clinic at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study involving 241 adult participants. Demographic data, lifestyle habits, and clinical characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. Serum uric acid levels were measured using the enzymatic colorimetric method, and hyperuricemia was defined according to standard criteria. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between hyperuricemia and various demographic, clinical, and lifestyle variables, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of hyperuricemia was 16.6% (40/241). Male sex was significantly associated with hyperuricemia (25.6% vs 11.3% in females, χ²=8.32, p=0.004). Among lifestyle factors, smoking (33.3% vs 14.7%, χ²=5.39, p=0.020) and daily consumption of seafood in large quantities (23.1%, χ²=11.80, p=0.019) were significantly associated with elevated uric acid levels. No significant associations were found between hyperuricemia and age groups, marital status, educational level, occupation, BMI categories, comorbidities, physical activity, or alcohol consumption. Conclusion: The prevalence of hyperuricemia in this Nigerian cohort is comparable to rates reported in other African and developing countries. Male sex, smoking, and high seafood consumption emerged as significant associations. These findings point to the need for targeted public health interventions focusing on dietary modification and smoking cessation in at-risk populations.