Metabolic syndrome in healthcare personnel at the University of Antioquia-Colombia: LATINMETS study

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN), atherogenic dyslipidemia, an increased glycemia in a fasting state, and abdominal obesity (AO), constitute a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease named metabolic syndrome (MS). Objective: To analyze the prevalence and distribution of MS and its components in healthcare personnel from the University of Antioquia. Methodology: Cross-sectional study conducted between 2010 and 2011. The collected data included anthropometrical, biochemical, socio-demographic, and lifestyle variables. The MS was diagnosed using the harmonized IDF/AHA definition. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were performed, including Χ2 tests, and α = 0.05. Results: 285 volunteers (29.1% men) with ages between 20 and 61 years were included. 31.6% of participants were overweight with a Body Mass Index higher than 25 kg/m² (BMI). AO (29.8%) and HTN (29.8%) were the most frequent components of MS. Global prevalence of MS was 17.5% (95%CI: 13.1; 22). There was a lower presence of MS among women (OR 0.328; 95%CI: 0.175; 0.614; p < 0.05), and a positive gradient with age and income. Likewise, the prevalence of MS was higher among smokers and those who are overweight (p < 0.05). After adjusting for age, MS was associated with sex (OR 0.348; 95%CI: 0.178; 0.680) and being overweight (OR 14.592; 95%CI: 6.343; 33.570). Conclusion: The most frequently observed components of MS in the studied sample were AO and HTN. BMI, sex, and socio-economic status are important independent risk factors associated with MS.

Keywords

• Síndrome metabólico
• Enfermedad cardiovascular
• Factores de riesgo sociodemográficos
• Índice de masa corporal
• Personal de salud