Prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome in users of primary healthcare units in São Paulo – SP, Brazil

Prevalence and factors associated with hypertriglyceridemic waist in the elderly: a population-based study

Abstract To identify the prevalence and factors associated with hypertriglyceridemic waist (HW) in community-dwelling elderly people in northeast Brazil. Population-based cross-sectional study. Some 316 elderly (≥ 60 years) people of both sexes participated in this study. Data were collected using a questionnaire, based on that used in the Health, Welfare and Aging Study (SABE), in addition to blood tests, blood pressure measurements and anthropometric measurements. The hypertriglyceridemic waist condition was diagnosed using high values of triglycerides (≥ 150 mg/dl) and waist circumference increased ≥ 88 and ≥ 102 cm for women and men, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to compare the hypertriglyceridemic waist and associated factors, significance level of 5%. The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemic waist (HW) was 27.1%. The logistic regression model (OR) adjusted showed the condition of HW associated to the feminine sex (OR 4.19), to the insufficiently active elderly (OR 2.41) and with overweight (OR 4.06). A high prevalence (27.1%) of hypertriglyceridemic waist was observed, indicating the female sex, physical inactivity and overweight as key factors associated with hypertriglyceridemic waist in community-dwelling elderly people.

Area-level socioeconomic characteristics, prevalence and trajectories of cardiometabolic risk

This study examines the relationships between area-level socioeconomic position (SEP) and the prevalence and trajectories of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the count of its constituents (i.e., disturbed glucose and insulin metabolism, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension). A cohort of 4,056 men and women aged 18+ living in Adelaide, Australia was established in 2000–2003. MetS was ascertained at baseline, four and eight years via clinical examinations. Baseline area-level median household income, percentage of residents with a high school education, and unemployment rate were derived from the 2001 population Census. Three-level random-intercepts logistic and Poisson regression models were performed to estimate the standardized odds ratio (SOR), prevalence risk ratio (SRR), ratio of SORs/SRRs, and (95% confidence interval (CI)). Interaction between area- and individual-level SEP variables was also tested. The odds of having MetS and the count of its constituents increased over time. This increase did not vary according to baseline area-level SEP (ratios of SORs/SRRs ≈ 1; p ≥ 0.42). However, at baseline, after adjustment for individual SEP and health behaviours, median household income (inversely) and unemployment rate (positively) were significantly associated with MetS prevalence (SOR (95%CI) = 0.76 (0.63–0.90), and 1.48 (1.26–1.74), respectively), and the count of its constituents (SRR (95%CI) = 0.96 (0.93–0.99), and 1.06 (1.04–1.09), respectively). The inverse association with area-level education was statistically significant only in participants with less than post high school education (SOR (95%CI) = 0.58 (0.45–0.73), and SRR (95%CI) = 0.91 (0.88–0.94)). Area-level SEP does not predict an elevated trajectory to developing MetS or an elevated count of its constituents. However, at baseline, area-level SEP was inversely associated with prevalence of MetS and the count of its constituents, with the association of area-level education being modified by individual-level education. Population-level interventions for communities defined by area-level socioeconomic disadvantage are needed to reduce cardiometabolic risks.

Area-level socioeconomic characteristics and incidence of metabolic syndrome: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The evidence linking socioeconomic environments and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has primarily been based on cross-sectional studies. This study prospectively examined the relationships between area-level socioeconomic position (SEP) and the incidence of MetS.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study design was employed involving 1,877 men and women aged 18+ living in metropolitan Adelaide, Australia, all free of MetS at baseline. Area-level SEP measures, derived from Census data, included proportion of residents completing a university education, and median household weekly income. MetS, defined according to International Diabetes Federation, was ascertained after an average of 3.6 years follow up. Associations between each area-level SEP measure and incident MetS were examined by Poisson regression Generalised Estimating Equations models. Interaction between area- and individual-level SEP variables was also tested.

RESULTS

A total of 156 men (18.7%) and 153 women (13.1%) developed MetS. Each percentage increase in the proportion of residents with a university education corresponded to a 2% lower risk of developing MetS (age and sex-adjusted incidence risk ratio (RR)=0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) =0.97-0.99). This association persisted after adjustment for individual-level income, education, and health behaviours. There was no significant association between area-level income and incident MetS overall. For the high income participants, however, a one standard deviation increase in median household weekly income was associated with a 29% higher risk of developing MetS (Adjusted RR=1.29; 95%CI=1.04-1.60).

CONCLUSIONS

While area-level education was independently and inversely associated with the risk of developing MetS, the association between area-level income and the MetS incidence was modified by individual-level income.