Determinants of metabolic syndrome among patients attending diabetes clinics in two sub-urban hospitals: Bono Region, Ghana

BACKGROUND: Over 70% of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may have metabolic syndrome in sub-Saharan Africa. Evidence about the prevalence, clustering, and determinants of metabolic syndrome components is needed to guide the implementation of interventions to prevent cardiovascular diseases in low-income countries. METHODS: A clinic-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 430 out-patients attending two-selected diabetes mellitus clinics in the Bono Region of Ghana. Data was collected in June 2016 among participants aged 30–79 years. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was assessed using the harmonized definition. Patients were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires and T2DM status was confirmed by reviewing medical records. The components of MS that were assessed included body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, and blood glucose. Multiple logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the risk factors of MS. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 58.8 ± 11.49 years. The prevalence of MS was 68.6% (95% CI: 64.0–72.8), higher among women (76.3%, 95% CI: 70.6–81.2) than men (58.0%, 95% CI: 35.0–49.4) and in the 50–59-year age group (32.1%). The majority of participants [248 (57.7%)] had either two [124 (28.8%)] or four [124 (28.8%)] components of MS. Excluding fasting blood glucose (78.4%), the predominant components of MS identified in the study were reduced HDL cholesterol (70.2%), high waist circumference (60.9%), and elevated systolic blood pressure (49.8%). The study found that the odds of MS in women are 2.2-fold higher than in men (95% CI: 1.29–3.58, p = 0.003). Duration of T2DM (OR 5.2, 95% CI: 2.90–9.31, p < 0.001) and overweight status (OR 6.1, 95% CI: 3.70–10.07 p < 0.001) were also found to be significant determinants of MS. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome was common among patients attending routine diabetes mellitus clinics in sub-urban hospitals in the middle belt of Ghana. Significant factors associated with metabolic syndrome included being female, living with diabetes for more than five years, and being overweight. Nationwide advocacy for routine screening and prevention of the syndrome should be initiated to prevent cardiovascular disease and mortality in this vulnerable population.