Disparities in the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and its Components Among University Employees by Age, Gender and Occupation.
BACKGROUND
Metabolic Syndrome (MS), a known risk factor for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and type II diabetes is an emerging epidemic in China. Studies carried out on the general population indicate a varied clustering of cardiovascular risks in many parts of the country. However, there is limited data on its prevalence in the working population. Workplace can serve as an important place for prevention, control and management of CVD risks. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MS and its components among University workers, and determine how the prevalence varied according to sex and occupation.


METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study of 2,428 University employees (22-60 years) who received an annual clinical examination at the University hospital. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), and lipid profiles were measured. MS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment panel III modified criteria.


RESULTS
Overall prevalence of MS was 6.1%, higher in males (5.1%) than females (1.1%), and increased with age. The most prevalent MS components in all workers were hypertension (37.9%) and hypertryglyceridemia (20.8%), corresponding rates in males were 28.3% and 16.1% while females had a prevalence of 9.6% and 4.7%. After adjustment for age, administrative work was associated (p<0.05) with increased hypertension (odds ratio (OR) =1.474; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.146-1.896) and hyperglycemia (OR=1.469; 95% CI, 1.082-1.993) in male workers, and with hypertension (OR=1.492; 95% CI, 1.071-2.080) in females. However, prevalence of hypertryglyceridemia was lower (OR=0.390; 95% CI, 0.204-0.746) in female administrators compared to those in academics. Obesity, MS and reduced High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol prevalence was not different (p>0.05) between the two occupations in both sexes.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevalence of MS and its components was higher in male workers than in females, increased with age, and were more common in administrative workers. The findings support the need for gender and occupation specific health interventions to prevent CVDs and type II diabetes in the workplace.
Faculty, Molecular and Applied Nutrition Laboratory, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University , Wuxi, Jiangsu, China and Lecturer, Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Health Science, Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya .
Maureen Jepkorir
MJ
Cheserek
PG Student, Molecular and Applied Nutrition Laboratory, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University , Wuxi, Jiangsu, China .
Gui-Rong
GR
Wu
Faculty, Jiangnan University Hospital , Wuxi, Jiangsu, China .
Li-Ye
LY
Shen
Professor, Molecular and Applied Nutrition Laboratory, School of Food Science and Technology , Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China .
Yong-Hui
YH
Shi
Professor, Molecular and Applied Nutrition Laboratory, School of Food Science and Technology , Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China .
Guo-Wei
GW
Le
Cardiovascular diseases; Dyslipidemia; Hyperglycemia; Hypertension; Obesity