METABOLIC SYNDROME AMONG RURAL WOMEN POPULATION IN TIRUVALLUR, TAMILNADU: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an aggregation of several risk factors such as abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, atherogenic dyslipidemia and hypertension. Metabolic syndrome is a strong predictor of coronary vascular disorder (CVD) and diabetes mellitus. A cross-sectional study was conducted among women (20 -60 years) in two rural area ofTiruvallur. Interview schedule, physical and clinical examination; and biochemical measurements were completed for 154 women. Metabolic syndrome was defined using Joint Interim Statement (JIS). Chi-square test was applied to test the association between MetS and various risk factors. p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Over 51.9% of the study participants were diagnosed with Metabolic syndrome. Abdominal obesity (82.5 %), low High density lipoprotein cholesterol (74 %) and hyperglycemia (47.4 %) were the most prevalent components. Advancing age, being overweight/obese, physical inactivity, habit of chewing betel nut, non-vegetarian diet and higher frequency of sea foods intake were significantly associated with risk of MetS. The study emphasizes the need for community awareness and intervention program for prevention and control of MetS.