title: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Central America: a cross-sectional population-based study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) as found by the Central American Diabetes Initiative (CAMDI) study for five major Central American populations: Belize (national); Costa Rica (San José); Guatemala (Guatemala City); Honduras (Tegucigalpa); and Nicaragua (Managua).
  
  
  METHODS
  Study data on 6 185 adults aged 20 years or older with anthropometric and laboratory determination of MetS from population-based surveys were analyzed. Overall, the survey response rate was 82.0%. MetS prevalence was determined according to criteria from the Adult Treatment Panel III of the National Cholesterol Education Program. The study's protocol was reviewed and approved by the bioethical committee of each country studied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall standardized prevalence of MetS in the Central American region was 30.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 27.1-33.4). There was wide variability by gender and work conditions, with higher prevalence among females and unpaid workers. The standardized percentage of the population free of any component of MetS was lowest in Costa Rica (9.0%; CI: 6.5-11.4) and highest in Honduras (21.1%; CI: 16.4-25.9).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall prevalence of MetS in Central America is high. Strengthening surveillance of chronic diseases and establishing effective programs for preventing cardiovascular diseases might reduce the risk of MetS in Central America.
authors.affiliation: IOffice of Epidemiology and Surveillance, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, San José, Costa Rica, rwong@ccss.sa.cr.
authors.forename: Roy A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Wong-McClure
authors.affiliation: Epidemiology and Statistics Branch, Division of Diabetes Translation, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
authors.forename: Edward W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Gregg
authors.affiliation: Pan American Health Organization, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Barceló
authors.affiliation: IOffice of Epidemiology and Surveillance, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, San José, Costa Rica, rwong@ccss.sa.cr.
authors.forename: Kahye
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: IOffice of Epidemiology and Surveillance, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, San José, Costa Rica, rwong@ccss.sa.cr.
authors.forename: Leandra
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Abarca-Gómez
authors.affiliation: IOffice of Epidemiology and Surveillance, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, San José, Costa Rica, rwong@ccss.sa.cr.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sanabria-López
authors.affiliation: IOffice of Epidemiology and Surveillance, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, San José, Costa Rica, rwong@ccss.sa.cr.
authors.forename: Jaime
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tortós-Guzmán
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002489:Central America / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D055815:Young Adult