Metabolic syndrome in an apparently healthy population in the niger delta region of southern nigeria

Background: Metabolic syndrome was relatively unknown in sub-Saharan Africa in the past. The disease burden, then was mainly attributable to infections and infestations. However, due to Westernisation and urbanization, there is a shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases hence the rise in metabolic syndrome and its attendant cardiovascular complications. This study assessed the prevalence of metabolicsyndrome and its risk factors in a sub-urban community in the Niger Delta region of Southern Nigeria.
Method: A cross-sectional study carried out among 107 participants (80 females and 27 males) aged between 23 and 80 years. They were first administered a structured questionnaire to obtain their socio-demographic data and lifestyle characteristics after which anthropometric assessment was performed. Thereafter, their blood pressure was taken and blood samples collected for blood sugar and lipid analysis.
Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was high in this study (41.1%). Although, the prevalence was higher in the females, this was not statistically significant. The only statistically significant demographic variable associated with metabolic syndrome is marital status. Metabolic syndrome is statistically higher in the separated and divorced individuals. None of the lifestyle factors studied has any statistically significant association with metabolic syndrome.
Conclusion: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was quite high in this study. This calls for an appropriate intervention to address the relevant risk factors so as to prevent future cardiovascular complications and mortality in the populace