Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Affecting Factors among Individuals Aged 30 and over in Balçova District of İzmir

Abstract

Background: The studies have shown that metabolicsyndrome (MetS) leads to an increase twice as much incardiovascular diseases (CVD) and four times as much indiabetes mellitus (DM) prevalence since the second halfof the 20th century.Aims: This study aims to determine and discuss the prevalenceof the MetS and co- factors among individuals atthe age of 30 and over in Balcova district of İzmir provinceaccording to the American National Cholesterol EducationProgram - Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATPIII) and InternationalDiabetes Federation (IDF) criteria.Study Design: Cross-sectional study.Methods: Data obtained from the Balcova Heart Projectin İzmir were used in the study. The dependent variableof the study is MetS existence. The independent variableswere socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender,education level, and marital status), self-perceived economicstatus, physical activity, smoking status, healthynutrition and body mass index (BMI).Results: The prevalence of MetS was 36.9% according tothe diagnostic criteria of IDF, while it was 27.4% accordingto ATP III criteria. According to the both criteria, increasingage, low education, poor economic status perception,physical inactivity, and obesity increase the risk of MetS.Apart from the IDF criteria, being female and a currentsmoker increase the risk of the MetS in the NCEP-ATP III.Conclusion: Compared to educational studies of MetS asof today, which are community and health-oriented studies,it is challenging that the prevalence of MetS was foundto be high for both criteria in our study. Therefore, in particular,primary health care doctors must be prompted toprotect the public against DM and CVD in particular.