Association Between Body Mass Index and Serum Urea Levels Among Women of Reproductive Age in Waihaong Village, Maluku, Indonesia

Syah Mutiara; Mutmainnah Abbas; Firensca  Pattiasina; Filda Vionita Irene de Lima

doi:10.56741/IISTR.jphs.001394

Authors

Syah Mutiara Pattimura University https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5688-7443
Mutmainnah Abbas
iin.abbas76@gmail.com
Pattimura University https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6126-7751
Firensca Pattiasina Pattimura University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1758-2564
Filda Vionita Irene de Lima Pattimura University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2717-6797

Keywords:

Body Mass Index, Kidney Function, Ureum Levels, Women of Reproductive Age

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing global health concern, highlighting the importance of identifying modifiable risk factors that affect renal function. Nutritional status, commonly reflected by Body Mass Index (BMI), is one such factor, while serum urea serves as a key biomarker of kidney function. This study examined the relationship between BMI and serum urea levels among women of reproductive age in Waihaong Village. Using a cross-sectional analytical design, 75 participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection included informed consent, 10–12 hours fasting, BMI measurement, venous blood sampling, and serum urea analysis. Data were processed with SPSS using the Spearman correlation and multiple regression tests. Results revealed a significant positive correlation between BMI and serum urea levels (r = 0.259, p = 0.025). The median serum urea concentration was 18.3 mg/dL (range: 12.8–37.4 mg/dL), remaining within normal limits. The Kruskal–Wallis test showed no significant difference among BMI categories (χ² = 7.792, p = 0.100), although mean rank values indicated a trend of increasing urea with higher BMI. Multiple linear regression indicated that BMI significantly influenced serum urea (β = 1.045, p = 0.031) after adjusting for diet and physical activity, while other variables showed no significant associations (p > 0.05). The model’s stability was confirmed (VIF < 2). In conclusion, higher BMI is associated with increased serum urea levels, suggesting the need for routine BMI screening to help detect early kidney dysfunction in women of reproductive age.

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Author Biographies

Syah Mutiara, Pattimura University

is an undergraduate student at the Faculty of Medicine, Pattimura University, Indonesia. Her research interests include nutrition, non-communicable diseases, and reproductive health. This study is part of her undergraduate thesis project. (email: xzyahmutiara04@gmail.com).

Mutmainnah Abbas, Pattimura University

is a lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pattimura, Indonesia. She holds a Master of Science degree and has research interests in biochemistry, biomedical sciences, physiology, and public health. Her academic contributions focus on integrating biomedical approaches with public health perspectives to support evidence-based medical education and research. (email: iin.abbas76@gmail.com).

Firensca Pattiasina, Pattimura University

is a clinical pathologist from Pattimura University specializing in the integration of laboratory test results to support diagnosis, therapy monitoring, and early disease detection. With experience in laboratory quality management, test validation, and research in hematology, immunology, and molecular diagnostics, she is committed to advancing accurate and high-quality healthcare services. (email: firenscapattiasina@gmail.com).

Filda Vionita Irene de Lima, Pattimura University

is a physician with an academic background in biomedical sciences from Pattimura University, with a strong interest in translational research, advancing basic medical sciences, and applying biomedical innovations in clinical practice. Combining medical and biomedical expertise, he/she is committed to improving healthcare quality, scientific research, and medical education in Indonesia. (email: fildavid5@gmail.com).

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