Prevalence and Factors Associated With Metabolic Syndrome in a Rural Population in Brazil

OBJECTIVES: There are still few articles in the scientific literature that assess the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) in representative rural populations. Thus, the aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of MS and to evaluate the association with sociodemographic, work and lifestyle factors in a rural population in southeastern Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational epidemiological study conducted in a rural municipality in Brazil. The study population were 790 adult family farmers. The characterization of MS considers five parameters: abdominal circumference, systemic blood pressure levels and serum concentrations of fasting glucose, triglycerides and HDL, according to two different definitions: NCEP-ATP III and IDF. Tests of association between the independent variable and the outcome were performed using Pearson's chi-square test, or Fisher's exact test when applicable. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed using the enter method. RESULTS: The prevalence of MS was 15.4% and 17.2% according to the NCEP and IDF criteria, respectively. In the bivariate analysis, sex (p = 0.014), age group (p < 0.005), schooling (p = 0.007) and time working as a farmer (p < 0.001) were associated with MS (NCEP). According to the IDF criteria, sex (p = 0.024), age group (p < 0.001), education (p = 0.004), working time as a farmer (p < 0.001) and alcohol consumption (p- 0.017). In binary logistic regression, the increase in age groups showed an OR gradient, demonstrating that advancing age is characterized as a risk factor for MS (p < 0.001) in both diagnostic criteria. The other variables had no statistical difference in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found in Brazilian farmers, mainly associated with advancing age in this population. The early diagnosis of MS could represent an important advance in terms of protection and prevention of the health of rural populations, as it is a multifaceted disease with several complications. Furthermore, high-cost and complex parameters are not necessary to diagnose MS, being a useful parameter for use in populations whose access to the health system is difficult. FUNDING SOURCES: Research Program of the Unified Health System (PPSUS), through the notice FAPES/CNPq/Decit-SCTIE-MS/SESA No. 05/2015 – PPSUS.