title: Women are at a higher risk of metabolic syndrome in rural Malaysia.
abstract: Metabolic syndrome has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to determine gender differences in the prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome in a rural Malay population. This cross-sectional study, conducted in Bachok, Kelantan, involved 306 respondents aged 18 to 70 years. The survey used a structured questionnaire to collect information on demographics, lifestyle, and medical history. Anthropometric measurements, such as weight, height, body mass index, waist and hip circumference, and blood pressure were measured. Venous blood samples were taken by a doctor or nurses and analyzed for lipid profile and fasting glucose. The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 37.5% and was higher among females (42.9%). Being unemployed or a housewife and being of older age were independently associated with metabolic syndrome in a multivariate analysis. Weight management and preventive community-based programs involving housewives, the unemployed, and adults of poor education must be reinforced to prevent and manage metabolic syndrome effectively in adults.
authors.affiliation: Nutrition Program, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia,Kelantan, Malaysia. hamidjan@kb.usm.my
authors.forename: Hamid Jan B
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Jan Mohamed
authors.forename: Amal K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Mitra
authors.forename: Laila Ruwaida Mohd
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Zainuddin
authors.forename: Soo Kah
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Leng
authors.forename: Wan Manan
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Wan Muda
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001794:Blood Pressure; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D056128:Obesity, Abdominal / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D008055:Lipids