Correlation between obesity and urinary malondialdehyde levels in a rural Southern Thai population: A cross-sectional study

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Problem considered</h3> Rapidly growing economies and the planned establishment of multiple biomass power plants in rural areas may influence urinary malondialdehyde levels: an indicator of oxidative stress. Therefore, this study assessed baseline urinary malondialdehyde levels, and the prevalence of obesity in a rural population. <h3>Methods</h3> An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in two cities within Songkhla Province, designated as future special economic zones; from May 2019 until December 2021. Participants were categorized into obesity and non-obesity groups. A 24-hour urine sample was collected from each participant to measure urinary malondialdehyde levels using high-performance liquid chromatography. Data were analysed using R programming. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 524 datasets were obtained. The median urinary malondialdehyde level was 3.114 μg/mL. Urinary malondialdehyde levels were higher in smokers (3.963 ± 2.140 μg/mL) and passive smokers (3.750 ± 2.111 μg/mL) than in non-smokers (3.523 ± 2.120 μg/mL) and non-passive smokers (3.405 ± 1.961 μg/mL). However, the though differences were not significant. The prevalence of obesity was 44.27%, with the majority of those affected being women (68.96%). Urinary malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in the obesity group (3.796 ± 2.075 μg/mL) than in the non-obesity group (3.462 ± 2.032 μg/mL). Obesity was associated with higher urinary malondialdehyde levels, while female participants and dyslipidemia patients had significantly lower levels. <h3>Conclusion</h3> In the rural population, urinary malondialdehyde levels were low. Obesity, particularly among women, was prevalent. Smoke exposure, obesity and dyslipidemia warrant attention. Therefore, future public health strategies should consider holistic prevention programs, integrating pollution exposure and obesity concerns.