DESCRIPTION OF SGOT AND SGPT LEVELS AMONG PORTERS IN SHIPPING COMPANIES

Abstract

Background: Most Indonesians rely on physical labor, such as farming, manual labor, and portering, for their livelihoods. These occupations tend to be high-intensity and are often accompanied by an unbalanced diet and a work environment that is less conducive to health. Such conditions can affect liver function, as indicated by elevated SGOT and SGPT levels.  Object: This quantitative descriptive study aimed to describe SGOT and SGPT levels among porters in the Sidotopo area, Surabaya. Method: A total of 31 respondents were selected using purposive sampling based on specific criteria, including a minimum of 5 years of service, lifting loads of ≥55kg, and working at least 8 hours per day. Data were collected through questionnaires and laboratory examinations of SGOT and SGPT conducted at the Clinical Pathology Laboratory, University of Muhammadiyah Surabaya. Result: The results showed that 29 respondents (93.55%) had SGOT levels within the normal range (0–50 U/L), while 2 respondents (6.45%) had SGOT levels exceeding the normal value (>50 U/L), with the highest level reaching 65.7 U/L. Similarly 27 respondents (87%) had SGPT levels within the normal range (0–50 U/L), whereas 4 respondents (13%) had SGPT levels above the normal range (>50 U/L). All respondents with elevated SGPT levels were aged 48 years and older. Conclusion: These findings indicate that although most porters maintained normal liver enzyme levels, a small proportion showed elevated SGOT and SGPT levels, particularly among older workers. This may reflect an age-related decline in liver function, potentially compounded by prolonged heavy workloads.