Association of physical activity with metabolic syndrome in a predominantly rural Nigerian population.
OBJECTIVE
Physical activity is an essential determinant of health. However, there is dearth of evidence regarding prevalence of physical activity in developing countries, especially its association with metabolic syndrome risk factors. This study assessed the association of physical activity with metabolic syndrome in a Nigerian population.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was carried out on apparently healthy persons who are ≥ 18 years old. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to collect five domains of physical activity. Participants were classified as physically active or inactive based on meeting the cut-off value of 600 MET-min/week. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using the Joint Scientific Statement on Harmonizing the Metabolic Syndrome criteria.


RESULTS
Overall prevalence of physically active individuals was 50.1% (CI: 45.6-54.7%). Physical inactivity is significantly more in females (p<0.01) and among participants >40 years old (p<0.0001). Whereas individuals with metabolic syndrome appeared more likely to be physically active (OR=1.48, CI: 0.71-3.09); physical inactivity showed to exist more among participants who were living in urban area (OR=6.61, CI: 3.40-12.85, p<0.001). Participants with prediabetes (OR=1.69, CI: 0.62-4.61) and diabetes (OR=1.91, CI: 0.65-5.63) were more likely to be physically inactive as compared to other metabolic syndrome risk factors.


CONCLUSIONS
The high prevalence of physical inactivity in this study population is a clear indication that concerted efforts to improve physical activity may be required. However, it seems that metabolic syndrome is not improved by being physically active. This suggests that interventions directed at physical activity alone may not produce optimal efficacy in this study population.
School of Psychological and Clinical Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory, Australia. Electronic address: victormaduabuchi.oguoma@cdu.edu.au.
Victor M
VM
Oguoma
School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Public and Community Health, Novena University Ogume, Delta State, Nigeria.
Ezekiel U
EU
Nwose
School of Psychological and Clinical Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory, Australia.
Timothy C
TC
Skinner
School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University, New South Wales, Australia.
Ross S
RS
Richards
Department of Public and Community Health, Novena University Ogume, Delta State, Nigeria.
Kester A
KA
Digban
Onyx Hospital and Maternity Ltd., Lagos State, Nigeria.
Innocent C
IC
Onyia
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003906:Developing Countries; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D012307:Risk Factors; D014944:World Health Organization
Developing countries; Metabolic syndrome; Physical activity; Prediabetes/diabetes