Effects of socioeconomic status, health behavior, and physical activity on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome

Routine medical checkups have been provided by both the government-led and private hospitals for the purposes of prevention and early detection of diseases. Various studies were conducted with clinical results obtained from both government and private hospital based results. However, results from two types of health checkups have not been conducted. The results should be compared for the prevalence of metabolic disease in the aspects of socioeconomic status and health care behaviors to observe the pros and cons of two types of health checkups. Routine health checkup results of the National Health and Nutrition Survey (1,593 men, 2,180 women) and a private hospital (12,823 men, 7,070 women) of the year 2012 were used for the study. Education level and monthly household income were used to assess the socioeconomic status. Alcohol consumption, smoking, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire were used to assess health behaviors. Logistic regression analysis was applied (P<0.05). Participants of the private hospital had significantly greater household income, education level, amount of physical activity and intensity, and number of nonsmokers. Women showed no differences in the amount of vigorous physical activity. The prevalence rates of metabolic syndrome showed similar results. Education level, physical activity, and alcohol consumption were significantly associated in men of the government group. Smoking showed significant influence in men of both groups. Education level, alcohol consumption, and smoking showed significant influence in women of the government group. Participants who conducted government-led health examinations showed stronger influence of socioeconomic level and health behaviors on metabolic syndrome especially in men.