Physiological and anthropometric variations in workers according to their residence in three geographical altitudes of Peru

Abstract

Introduction: The organism adapts to the place where it resides, but this topic in the Peruvian working populationhas not been studied. Objective: To determine the physiological and anthropometric variations in workers according to their residence in three geographical altitudes of Peru. Methodology: Analytic cross-sectional research was performed, with physiologic (six laboratory parameters) and anthropometric (weight and height) data of 7500 workers at three different altitudes: Lima (sea level), Arequipa (2500 meters above the sea level) and Cerro de Pasco (4300 meters above the sea level). These were standards measurements, carried out for quality certified clinical occupational evaluations. Coefficients and p values for altitude differences, and adjusted by sex and age were obtained. Results: All the fisio-anthropometric parameters varied according to the residence altitude (p values <0.005). At higher altitudes, hemoglobin, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol increased; the weight and fasting glucose decreased. In men, all increased, except in the HDL cholesterol (that it diminished significantly) and the LDL cholesterol (that did not have statistical variation), as compared to women. Conclusions: Variations in the measurements of workers according to the place where they resided are evident, which shows that fixed parameters should not be considered for their work valuation. This should be useful occupational doctors and their authorities, to be kept in mind during the moment of the valuation of the medical aptitude and then for the occupational surveillance.

Keywords

• medicina del trabajo
• fisio-ergonómico
• trabajadores
• altura
• perú