Association between lifestyle and hematological parameters: A study of Chinese male steelworkers

Increasing evidence suggests an association between lifestyle and white blood cell (WBC) count; however, no study has examined the effects of lifestyle associations on hematological parameters. The aim of this study was to examine the association between lifestyle factors and hematological parameters in a large population-based sample of Chinese male steelworkers.

This study included 3189 male workers at a steel plant who responded to a cross-sectional questionnaire on basic attributes, lifestyle, and sleep. All workers in the plant underwent periodic health checkups. Hematological parameters were also examined at the checkup.

Stepwise linear regression analyses showed that smoking, poor sleep, shift work, and obesity were all significant factors associated with WBC count. Obesity was independently associated with RBC count. Furthermore, smoking and obesity were associated with hemoglobin, and smoking, poor sleep, and obesity were independently associated with hematocrit. Moreover, smoking was the main factor associated with MCV and MCH. When the subjects were divided into quartiles according to WBC count, RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, and increased WBC count were associated with smoking, poor sleep, shift work, and obesity. Increased hemoglobin was associated with smoking and obesity. Furthermore, an increased RBC count was associated with obesity, and increased hematocrit was associated with smoking, poor sleep, and obesity. Similarly, increased MCV and MCH were also associated with smoking.

This study indicates that lifestyle factors may exert an important effect on hematological parameters (eg, WBC count, RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, and MCH).