Components and Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome among Rural Nigerian Workers

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a serious public health risk predisposing the workforce to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the components and risk factors of MetS among Nigerian teachers and bank workers (BWs). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Idemili South Local Government Area, Southeast Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 427 teachers and 66 BWs in 14 secondary schools and 5 microfinance banks, respectively. Data collection methods included questionnaire, lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), weight, height, waist circumference, and blood pressure (BP) measurements. Inferential statistical analysis involved Pearson correlation and Chi square with Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test. Significance was accepted at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Most (73.3%) of the teachers were 40–60-year-olds; 75.8% of BWs were 19–39-year-olds (P < 0.01). Underweight (7.7%), overweight (26.8%), obesity (17.2%), impaired FPG (IFPG) (14.0%), hypertriglyceridemia (38.0%), and hypertension (40.0%) were prevalent with similarity (P > 0.05) between occupations, age, and gender. Females were more likely to have abdominal obesity (P < 0.01) than males. MetS prevalence was 20%. MetS was more likely among females (odds ratio [OR] =0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] =0.471–0.841); workers with abdominal obesity (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.210–2.295), IFPG (OR = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.008–0.347), raised diastolic BP (OR = 12.00, 95% CI = 2.177–66.134), and hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.931–5.600); and those who often drank fluids other than water (OR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.013–0.961). CONCLUSION: MetS was a problem of public health significance among the workers with higher prevalence among teachers, 40–60-year-olds, and females. Abdominal obesity was the strongest risk factor of metabolic syndrome among the workers.