[Knowledge, perception and health behavior about metabolic syndrome for an at risk group in a rural community area].
OBJECTIVE
This study was to identify knowledge, perception and health behavior about metabolic syndrome for an at risk group in a rural community area.


METHODS
A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. A total of 575 adults with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and/or abdominal obesity were recruited from 11 rural community health care centers. A questionnaire was developed for this study. Anthropometric measures were measured and blood data was reviewed from the health record.


RESULTS
Knowledge about the metabolic syndrome was low as evidenced by only a 47% correct answer rate. Only 9% of the subjects ever heard about the disease, and 87% answered they do not know the disease at all. 87% of the subjects were not performing regular exercise, 31% drank alcohol more than once a month, 12.5% were current smokers, and 33.6% are did not have a regular health check-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Development of systematic public health care programs are needed to prevent future increases in cardiovascular complications and to decrease health care costs. These might include educational programs for the primary health care provider and an at risk group, a therapeutic lifestyle modification program, and a health screening program to identify potential groups.
Oh
Eui-Geum
EG
College of Nursing, Nursing Policy Research Institute, Yonsei University, 134 Shinchon-Dong, Seodaemun-Ku, Seoul 120-752, Korea. euigeum@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr
Bang
So-Youn
SY
Hyun
Sa-Saeng
SS
Chu
Sang-Hui
SH
Jeon
Justin-Y
JY
Kang
Myung-Sook
MS
D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D001364:Awareness; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D012307:Risk Factors; D012423:Rural Health; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration