Associations of sitting time and occupation with metabolic syndrome in South Korean adults: a cross-sectional study

Relationship between Change in Physical Activity and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background

This study investigates the relationship between changes in physical activity levels and risk of metabolic syndrome.

Methods

This study examined 1,686 adults aged 40 to 69 years from a community-based cohort study with complete 1st to 4th follow-up data between 2011 and 2020. Changes in physical activity were evaluated through baseline and follow-up surveys using physical activity questionnaires. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. A survival analysis was conducted using a multivariate extended Cox regression model with a significance level set at P<0.05.

Results

Participants were divided into groups according to physical activity levels. The newly inactive group (vigorous physical activity ≤150 minutes at first follow-up) had a 36% increase in the hazard ratio (HR) for metabolic syndrome compared with the consistently inactive group (≤150 minutes at both baseline and first follow-up) (HR, 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 1.79). The newly active group (walking ≤420 minutes per week at baseline and >420 minutes per week at first follow-up) had a 25% decrease in the HR for metabolic syndrome compared with the consistently inactive group (walking ≤420 minutes per week at both baseline and first follow-up) (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.98).

Conclusion

Changes in physical activity levels are associated with risk of metabolic syndrome. These results provide important insights for future investigations into the link between physical activity changes and disease occurrence.

Association between Sitting Time and Urinary Incontinence in the US population: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007 to 2018

Background

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common health problem that affects the quality of life and health of millions of people in the United States (US). We aimed to investigate the association between sitting time and UI symptoms in the US population.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of participants aged 20 and above from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2018 was performed. A self-report questionnaire that reported complete data on UI, sitting time and covariates was included. Weighted multivariable logistic and regression models were used to assess the association between sitting time and UI symptoms.

Results

A total of 22,916 participants were enrolled. Prolonged sitting time was associated with urgency UI (UUI, odds ratio [OR] = 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1 to 1.3, p = 0.001). Compared with patients with sitting a time shorter than 7 hours (h), moderate recreational activity modified the association between sitting time and mixed UI in males in the fully adjusted model (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.4 to 4.5, p = 0.002). A sitting time over 7 h was related to mixed UI (MUI, OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1 to 2.2, p = 0.01) in males, and stress UI (SUI, OR = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.8 to 0.98, p = 0.03) in females. However, no significant difference was found among the UI, SUI, and MUI groups in fully adjusted model.

Conclusions

A prolonged sitting time (≥7 h) was associated with UUI symptoms in all populations, SUI symptoms in females and MUI symptoms in males compared with sitting time lower than 7 h. Compared with those sit shorter than 7 h, moderate recreational activity may be a modifier between prolonged sitting and MUI symptoms in male participants, which warrants further studies for confirmation.

Impact of electronic cigarette use on the increased risk of diabetes: the Korean Community Health Survey

OBJECTIVES

Only a few studies have solely investigated the health impacts of electronic cigarettes on diabetes while considering the impact of conventional cigarettes. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of electronic cigarette smoking on diabetes in Korean dual smokers, electronic cigarette smokers, conventional cigarette smokers, and non-smokers.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the 2021 and 2022 Korean Community Health Surveys of 460,603 Korean adults. The main independent variable was smoking behavior. Participants were categorized according to their smoking behavior, as dual smokers, electronic cigarette smokers, conventional cigarette smokers, and non-smokers. The dependent variable, the presence of diabetes, was defined by a doctor's diagnosis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between smoking behavior and diabetes. Subgroup analyses were also performed to investigate the associations among different socioeconomic groups.

RESULTS

Conventional cigarette smokers had a higher risk of diabetes than did non-smokers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19 to 1.26). More importantly, those who only vaped electronic cigarettes were at high risk of diabetes (aOR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.31). Lastly, dual smokers had the highest aOR for diabetes among other smoking behavior groups (aOR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.58). Dual smoking was associated with the highest risk of diabetes in most subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that conventional cigarette use and smoking electronic cigarettes negatively impact diabetes, and using both types leads to worse health outcomes. Therefore, cessation of all types of smoking is necessary for a healthy life.

Prevalence of Diabetes and Associated Factors Among Government Employees of Mizan-Aman Town and Zonal Sector Office, Bench Sheko Zone, Southwest Ethiopia Region, 2022

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious non-communicable disease (NCD) that represents a major health and development challenge of the 21st century. Ethiopia is the leading country among the top five high-burden African countries for the number of people with diabetes. To address problems within the population, it is important to assess the prevalence of diabetes and identify the risk factors associated with its diagnosis.

Objective

The study aims to determine the prevalence of diabetes and identify its associated factors among office workers of Mizan-Aman Town administration and Bench Sheko Zone Sector Office.

Methods

A sector office-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 559 randomly selected employees of Mizan Aman Town Administration and Zonal Office from June 5 to June 30, 2022. Fasting plasma glucose was tested, and the result ≥126 mg/dL was used to diagnose DM. Data were entered using Epi Data version 4.0.2 and exported to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 26) for analysis. Bivariate analyses were included in the multivariable model with p <0.25. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% are reported, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results

The overall prevalence of Diabetes was 9.4% with 95%CI(7.1,12.1)). Among the participants,60.8% were men, 58.2% of workers were aged 40 years or older, and the mean age was 39.7 ± 9.9 years. Having hypertension (AOR 3.85, 95% CI (1.7,7.4), family history of diabetes (AOR 4.5, 95% CI (1.2, 15.8), physical inactivity defined as failure to participate in moderate intensity activities at work, sitting ≥180 minutes per day (AOR = 3.57, 95% CI (1.1, 11.0)) and having central obesity AOR: 3.25, 95% CI (1.5, 6.7) independently associated with higher odds of DM. However, those having good knowledge of DM (AOR=0.26, 95% CI: (0.10, 0.6)) and consuming fruits and vegetables greater than five servings per week (AOR=0.32 95% CI (0.1, 0.7)) predicted lower odds of DM.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The prevalence of DM among office workers was high and is associated with lifestyle, family history, dietary practices, and knowledge about DM. Therefore, arranging regular screening programs at the workplace and promotion of healthy diet, exercise, and awareness creation are needed to lower the prevalence.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Vietnamese adult employees

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Metabolic syndrome (MtS) is associated with increased risk of many health disorders, especially cardiovascular diseases. In Vietnam, study examining MtS is meager and especially lacking for the workforce. We estimated the prevalence of MtS and its associated factors among Vietnamese employees.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed secondary data of annual health check of employees of 300 Vietnamese companies from the Vinmec Healthcare System. We used three definitions for MtS: International Diabetes Federation (IDF), National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III), and NCEP ATP III-Asia. Of 57,997 participants evaluated, 48.5 % were males and 66.2 % were younger than 40 years old. The unadjusted MtS prevalence was 8.4 % (IDF), 10.2 % (NCEP ATP III), and 16.0 % (NCEP ATP III-Asia). The age-sex adjusted prevalence of MtS (NCEP ATP III-Asia) was 21.8 % (95 % confidence interval (CI): 21.4 %, 22.2 %). MtS prevalence increased with age, reached 49.6 % for age ≥60. The aging related increase was more remarkable in females than males (prevalence ratio (PR) (95 % CI) for age ≥60 comparing to age <30 years old in males vs. females was 4.0 (3.6, 4.3) vs. 20.1 (17.7, 22.9)). High blood triglyceride (83.4 %) and abdominal obesity (74.5 %) were the predominant contributors to MtS.

CONCLUSION

In this relatively young Vietnamese working population, 16 % had MtS with high triglyceride and abdominal obesity being the predominant contributors. These findings emphasize the need for developing effective high triglyceride and abdominal obesity prevention and control programs to curb the emerging epidemic of metabolic disorders in the workforce.

Association of lifestyle habits and cardiovascular risk among sedentary adults

This study aimed to analyze the association of lifestyle habits (physical activity, sleep habits, and eating habits) with cardiovascular risk (arterial stiffness and autonomic nervous system function) among sedentary adults. Sixty adults of sedentariness and physical activity were evaluated by accelerometers; sleep and eating habits were assessed by questionnaires; cardiovascular risks were assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV), ankle-brachial index, flow mediated dilation, and heart rate variability; circulating biomarkers were also determined. Prolonged sitting (represented by longer maximum length of sedentary bouts, lower length of sedentary breaks, and more total time of sitting) were (P < .05) significantly associated with matrix metalloproteinases, neuropeptide Y, C-reactive protein, peptide Y, ghrelin, and leptin; significant associations (P < .05) were also observed of total time in physical activity with most circulating biomarkers except interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and adiponectin. Sleep habits, especially sleep efficiency, were (P < .05) significantly associated with PWV, ankle-brachial index, and circulating biomarkers. Eating habits (including emotional overeating and enjoyment of food) were (P < .05) significantly associated with PWVs and flow mediated dilation; satiety responsiveness and enjoyment of food were (P < .05) significantly associated with low-frequency spectral component expressed in normalized units, high frequency spectral component expressed in normalized units, and ratio between low-frequency/high frequency spectral component expressed in normalized units. The findings indicated that several lifestyle habits among sedentary adults were closely associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Sedentary people were encouraged to live with sufficient physical activity, good sleep, and healthy eating habits for decreasing arterial stiffness and balancing autonomic nervous function.

A systematic review of prevalence of metabolic syndrome in occupational groups - Does occupation matter in the global epidemic of metabolic syndrome?

Many occupations can influence the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This systematic review aims to evaluate studies on MetS prevalence in different occupational groups from different countries. An integrative review of the literature was conducted within the PubMed and Web of Science databases between January 2005 and February 2022. Only studies with over 3000 subjects that presented data about the prevalence of MetS in different occupational groups were included. The classification of occupational groups was based on the statistical category of economic activities in the European Community (EC). Of a total of 1942 screened records, ten studies were included, showing that MetS is a common health (main) risk factor in all occupational groups. However, the prevalence of MetS varies between nationalities, between and within occupational groups, and between genders. The reasons for this variation appear complex and supported by several causal explanations. The prevalence of MetS was highest among women in a group of Korean skilled agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers (Prevalence: 39.2%). Similarly, among men, the highest prevalence was found in Korean equipment, machine operating, and assembling workers (Prevalence: 35.4%). Male information and communication technology professionals from the Netherlands (Prevalence: 6.2%) and Spanish female catering and hospitality, personal, and security service workers (Prevalence: 5.9%) had the lowest rates of MetS. Overall, the results indicated that valid data on this topic are insufficient, and more randomized controlled trials are needed. Moreover, the different definitions of MetS complicate the accurate comparison between studies, paving the way to achieving consensus on a universal definition of MetS.

Association between dual smoking and dyslipidemia in South Korean adults

Objectives

Dyslipidemia increases the risk of serious cardiovascular disease; and conventional cigarette smoking is widely recognized as a risk factor. Thus, as electronic cigarettes were introduced, many smokers utilized them for smoking cessation. However, due to the lack of researches scrutinized the relationship between dual smoking and dyslipidemia, a lot of those who failed in cessation end up utilizing both types of cigarettes (dual smoking). Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of dual smoking on dyslipidemia in South Korean adults.

Methods

Data were included from the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2019 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 8,398 Korean men. The KNHANES is conducted by a national institution based on random cluster sampling, and therefore, the data gained from it is statistically reliable and representative in comparison to surveys performed by private institutions. Cigarette use status was the main independent variable. Cigarette use status was categorized as one of the four status: dual smoker, single smoker, non-smoker, and ex-smoker. The dependent variable, presence of dyslipidemia, was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program as displaying one or more of the following criteria: total cholesterol: ≥240 ㎎/dL, LDL cholesterol: ≥160 ㎎/dL, triglyceride: ≥200 ㎎/dL, or HDL cholesterol: ≤40 ㎎/dL. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine target association.

Results

Current and former users of either electronic or conventional cigarettes presented with a higher odd ratio of dyslipidemia compared to non-smokers. (ex-smoker: OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.41–1.83; single smoker: OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.06–1.38). More importantly, those who smoke both conventional and electronic cigarettes were also, at high risk of dyslipidemia (dual smoker: OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.26–2.20). Along with smoking status, those who did not exercise had a higher risk of dyslipidemia than those who exercised regularly and higher self-reported health status was also related to a lower risk of dyslipidemia.

Conclusion

This study suggests that along with conventional cigarettes, dual smoking negatively impacts dyslipidemia, and smoking cessation of evert types is necessary for a healthy life.

Interaction between Work and Metabolic Syndrome: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a clinical condition and a relevant risk factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases; it occurs as a result of lifestyle factors, e.g., work. The aim of this research was to estimate the interaction between work and MS among primary health care (PHC) nursing professionals in the state of Bahia, Brazil. A sectional multicentered study carried out in 43 municipalities in Bahia, whose study population consisted of nursing professionals. The exposure variables were occupation, professional exhaustion, and working time, and the outcome variable was MS. Interaction measures based on the additivity criteria were verified by calculating the excess risks due to the interactions and according to the proportion of cases attributed to the interactions and the synergy index. The global MS prevalence is 24.4%. There was a greater magnitude in the exposure group regarding the three investigated factors (average level occupation, professional exhaustion, and working time in PHC for more than 5 years), reaching an occurrence of 44.9% when compared to the prevalence of 13.1% in the non-exposure group (academic education, without professional burnout, and working time in PHC for up to 5 years). The study’s findings showed a synergistic interaction of work aspects for MS occurrence among PHC nursing professionals.

Prevalences of metabolic syndrome and its sex-specific association with socioeconomic status in rural China: a cross-sectional study

Background

Few studies have reported the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and examined relationships between socioeconomic status and MS in rural China. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MS and MS components as well as their associations with socioeconomic status among rural Chinese adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 26,836 participants aged 20 years and older was conducted from June to December 2012 in Yuhuan City, Zhejiang Province, China, which is located on Yuhuan Island. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for MS and their possible interactions.

Results

Among 26,836 subjects with an average age of 53.4 ± 14.0 years, 59% were female. The overall prevalence of MS was 20.5%, and there was a significant sex difference in the prevalence (15.1% for males vs. 24.2% for females, P < 0.001). Compared with males, females also showed a significantly higher proportion of most MS components. A significantly higher prevalence of MS was found among subjects who were elderly, had a lower income level, had a lower level of education, or were unemployed. Multiple significant interactions were observed between the prevalence of MS and sex, age or socioeconomic status (P < 0.001). The risk of MS increased significantly with age in females but not in males. Additionally, a lower income level and a lower level of education were significantly related to an increased risk only in females, and unemployed males had a higher risk of MS than unemployed females.

Conclusions

The prevalence of MS and its components was relatively high in a rural island Chinese population with rapid urbanization, and sex-specific associations between socioeconomic factors and MS were found. Targeted preventive interventions should be developed and implemented to prevent and control MS among those with low socioeconomic status, especially females.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12074-z.

Association between metabolic syndrome and work: an integrative review of the literature

The aim of this study was to highlight the association between occupational aspects and the occurrence of metabolic syndrome among various occupational groups. This is an integrative review of the literature that included articles indexed in the following databases: LILACS, SciELO, PubMed, and CINAHL. We evaluated 32 articles, most of which were published in Englishlanguage medical journals and with level 4 scientific evidence. The occupational aspects most commonly reported as associated with metabolic syndrome were occupation, work shift, and occupational stress. Our results indicated that occupational aspects could negatively interfere with workers' health; more robust longitudinal studies should contribute to further uncovering the reported associations.

Sedentary Behavior, Physical Inactivity, and Metabolic Syndrome: Pilot Findings From the Rapid Assessment Disuse Index Study

BACKGROUND

The Rapid Assessment Disuse Index (RADI) is a brief tool aimed to promptly assess primary care patients' overall physical inactivity and sedentary behavior. This study examines the relation between physical inactivity and sitting time (RADI) to cardiometabolic risk among primary care patients.

METHODS

Survey data and electronic medical record information were collated to explore the association between RADI scores (cumulative and sitting) to metabolic syndrome (and components) among women and men, using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among women, the cumulative RADI score was not significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. However, the RADI sitting score was related to low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and metabolic syndrome. That is, a transition to a higher RADI sitting score by 1 unit (vs remaining in the score) was related with a 1.4 and 1.3 times higher odds for having low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.87) and metabolic syndrome (95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.64), respectively. Among men, no significant relations were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The RADI sitting score is positively and significantly related to high-density lipoprotein and metabolic syndrome among women, yet not men. Due to the RADI's potential clinical utility, future research should attempt to examine these relations in larger, more robust samples and adjudicated outcomes using a prospective design.

Occupational distribution of metabolic syndrome prevalence and incidence differs by sex and is not explained by age and health behavior: results from 75 000 Dutch workers from 40 occupational groups

INTRODUCTION

This study examines the association between 40 occupational groups and prevalence and incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), separately for male and female workers, and whether age and health behaviors can explain the association.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data from 74 857 Lifelines Cohort and Biobank Study participants were used to regress occupational group membership, coded by Statistics Netherlands, on the prevalence and incidence of MetS using logistic and Cox regression analyses. MetS diagnosis was based on physical examinations, blood analysis, and recorded medication use. Information on age, smoking status, physical activity, diet and alcohol consumption was acquired using questionnaires.

RESULTS

Baseline MetS prevalence was 17.5% for males and 10.6% for females. During a median 3.8 years of follow-up, MetS incidence was 7.8% for males and 13.2% for females. One occupational group was associated with an increased MetS risk in both sexes. Six additional occupational groups had an increased risk for MetS among men, four among women. Highest risks were found for male 'stationary plant and machine operators' (HR: 1.94; 95% CI 1.26 to 3.00) and female 'food preparation assistants' (HR: 1.80; 95% CI 1.01 to 3.22).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that occupational group matters for men and women in MetS development, and that differences in MetS prevalence across occupations are not merely a reflection of selection of metabolically unhealthy workers into specific occupations. The striking sex differences in the occupational distribution of MetS indicate that preventive measures should, with some exceptions, target men and women separately.

Occupational, Transport, Leisure-Time, and Overall Sedentary Behaviors and Their Associations with the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease among High-Tech Company Employees

This study examined the associations of overall and domain-specific (i.e., occupational, transport, and leisure-time) sedentary behaviors with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among high-tech company employees in Taiwan. A total of 363 participants employed at high-tech companies (mean age ± standard deviation: 37.4 ± 7.2 years) completed a questionnaire administered by email regarding their overall, occupational, transport, and leisure-time sedentary behaviors. Self-reported data of height and weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and total cholesterol levels were also collected in 2018. An adjusted binary logistic regression model was employed in the analysis. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, high-tech company employees who used a computer (or Internet) for more than 2 h per day during their leisure time were more likely to have CVD risk factors (odds ratio: 1.80; 95% confidence interval: 1.08-3.00). No significant associations with CVD risk factors were detected for total sedentary time, occupational sitting, television viewing time, and transport-related sitting. Despite the nature of cross-sectional design in this study, our findings may have considerable implications for intervention designers and policymakers of Taiwan. Developing effective strategies for limiting leisure-time computer use should be considered for the prevention of CVD among high-tech company employees.

Association of sedentary behaviour patterns with dietary and lifestyle habits among public school teachers: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the association of sedentary behaviour patterns with dietary and lifestyle habits among public school teachers.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

A sample of 245 teachers (186 women and 59 men) with mean age of 45.2 (±10.4) were randomly selected from public schools.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURE

Sedentary behaviour was assessed by hours spent watching television, computer and cellphone/tablet use and in sitting position. Sedentary breaks were reported in a Likert scale in domains of work and leisure time. Dietary habits were assessed by weekly consumption of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, fried foods, sweets, grains, cereals, white meat, soft drinks and snacks. Physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption and socioeconomic status were assessed by using questionnaires.

RESULTS

The prevalence of high sedentary behaviour, high sedentary breaks at work and at leisure was 57.9%, 67.7% and 70.2% in the sample, respectively. No relationship was observed of high sedentary behaviour with dietary and lifestyle habits in adjusted analysis. However, high sedentary breaks at work were associated with high consumption of dairy products (OR=1.93 (CI 1.07 to 3.51)) and cereals (OR=2.49 (CI 1.05 to 5.92)) and with being high physically active (OR=2.57 (CI 1.14 to 5.77)). High sedentary breaks at leisure time were associated with high consumption of fruits (OR=2.33 (CI 1.28 to 4.23)) and vegetables (OR=1.91 (CI 1.05 to 3.49)) and with be high physically active (OR=2.34 (CI 1.03 to 5.35)). High sedentary breaks were associated with better dietary habits even among teachers with high sedentary behaviour.

CONCLUSION

High sedentary breaks were associated with better dietary habits and with high levels of physical activity among public school teachers, even those with high sedentary behaviour.

[Effects of Spouse-Participated Health Coaching for Male Office Workers with Cardiocerebrovascular Risk Factors]

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine the effect of spouses participating in health coaching on stage of the change, health behaviors, and physiological indicators among male office workers with cardiocerebrovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and compare the findings with trainers who provided health coaching only to workers.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants from a manufacturing research and development company in the city of Gyeonggi province. The health coaching program for the experimental group (n=26) included individual counseling sessions according to workers' stage of change, and provision of customized health information materials on CVD prevention to workers and their spouses for 12 weeks through mobile phone and email.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks of intervention, the total score for health behavior, and scores on the sub-areas of exercise and health checkups significantly improved in the experimental group, but there were no significant differences in the scores of stage of the change and physical indicators. The results of a paired t-test showed a significant decrease in the body mass index, abdominal circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and triglyceride values, and a significant increase in the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol value in the experimental group after the intervention.

CONCLUSION

To improve the health of male workers with CVD risk factors in the workplace, sharing health information with their spouses has proven to be more effective than health coaching for only workers. Therefore, it is important to develop strategies to encourage spousal participation when planning workplace health education for changing health-related behaviors.

Effect of Sedentary Time on the Risk of Orthopaedic Problems in People Aged 50 Years and Older

OBJECTIVE

Many people experience orthopaedic problems (OPPs), such as knee joint pain, hip joint pain, low back pain, and knee stiffness in their lifetimes. OPPs can impair lower extremity function, cause depression, and worsen quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between sedentary time (SDT) and OPPs.

DESIGN

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

SETTING

This study used data from the 2014-2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Survey participants with previous or current osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, as diagnosed by a doctor, were excluded. OPPs were defined as knee joint pain, hip joint pain, low back pain, and knee stiffness. The cut-off value for SDT was 7.5 hours/day. The study population comprised 3,671 people (1,856 men and 1,815 women), all of whom were ≥50 years-old. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 328 men (17.7%) and 519 women (28.6%) had OPPs. Men with SDTs ≥7.5 hours had a greater risk of OPPs than did men with SDTs <7.5 hours (odds ratio [OR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.93). A pink-collar job, physical inactivity during leisure time, and passive (e.g. riding in a car or train) versus active (e.g. walking or riding a bicycle) transportation predicted OPPs in men with SDTs ≥7.5 hours. SDT was a risk factor for knee joint pain in men (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.11-2.92) and hip joint pain in women (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.35-3.11).

CONCLUSIONS

In men, prolonged SDT is a risk factor for OPPs. More physical activity programmes should be launched at the community level for people ≥50 years-old to reduce the occurrence of OPPs.

Metabolic Syndrome Among Working Adults in Eastern Ethiopia

PURPOSE

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become a public health challenge in low-income countries due to changing lifestyle and the food environment. However, studies on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated factors are limited in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence of MetS and its associated factors among working adults in eastern Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 1,164 working adults from December 2018 to February 2019. Data were collected following the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach. The data collection tools include a structured questionnaire, anthropometric, and biochemical measurements. Prevalence was calculated using International Diabetes Federation criteria. A Poisson regression model with robust variance estimation was used to investigate the independent variable's association with MetS. An adjusted prevalence ratio with 95% confidence interval was reported to show associations.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MetS was 20.1% (95% CI=17.8-22.4) among the participants. It was more prevalent among females (APR:=1.62, 95% CI=1.31-2.00), those of 35-44 years of age (APR:=3.14, 95% CI=1.19-8.28), 45-54 years of age (APR=4.42, 95% CI=1.66-11.77), and 55-64 years of age (APR=6.03, 95% CI=2.27-16.06), khat chewers (APR=1.30, 95% CI=1.06-1.60), those with 8 or more hours of sedentary behavior (APR=2.29, 95% CI=1.88-2.80), and those consuming alcohol 5-6 days per week (APR=1.81, 95% CI=1.20-2.74). The prevalence was significantly lower in those eating five or more fruits and vegetables servings per day (APR=0.04, 95% CI=0.01-0.27).

CONCLUSION

A high prevalence of MetS was observed among working adults in eastern Ethiopia. Strengthening workplace health promotion programs is necessary to reduce the negative consequences of MetS in workplaces and protect productivity.

Ethnicity and Metabolic Syndrome: Implications for Assessment, Management and Prevention

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of cardiometabolic risk factors that identifies people at increased risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While the global prevalence is 20%–25% of the adult population, the prevalence varies across different racial/ethnic populations. In this narrative review, evidence is reviewed regarding the assessment, management and prevention of MetS among people of different racial/ethnic groups. The most popular definition of MetS considers race/ethnicity for assessing waist circumference given differences in visceral adipose tissue and cardiometabolic risk. However, defining race/ethnicity may pose challenges in the clinical setting. Despite 80% of the world’s population being of non-European descent, the majority of research on management and prevention has focused on European-derived populations. In these studies, lifestyle management has proven an effective therapy for reversal of MetS, and randomised studies are underway in specific racial/ethnic groups. Given the large number of people at risk for MetS, prevention efforts need to focus at community and population levels. Community-based interventions have begun to show promise, and efforts to improve lifestyle behaviours through alterations in the built environment may be another avenue. However, careful consideration needs to be given to take into account the unique cultural context of the target race/ethnic group.

Association between Serum Uric Acid and Metabolic Syndrome in Koreans

BACKGROUND

Although previous studies have highlighted the importance of serum uric acid as a risk factor of metabolic syndrome, no study has previously used a national Korean survey to examine the association between serum uric acid level and metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to investigate this association among Korean adults, to determine whether it varies by age and gender, and to identify optimal serum uric acid level cutoffs for predicting the presence of metabolic syndrome by gender and age.

METHODS

We included 5,758 Korean adults (aged ≥ 19 years) who participated in the seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII-1), 2016. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between serum uric acid and the presence of metabolic syndrome. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to assess optimal uric acid cutoff values for predicting the presence of metabolic syndrome.

RESULTS

High serum uric acid levels were found to be associated with risk of metabolic syndrome. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analyses of uric acid levels for the detection of metabolic syndrome produced good performances. Women subjects had significantly higher AUC values than men subjects, but this gender difference may also have been influenced by age. Among men, AUC values of those in their 20s, 30s, or 40s were significantly higher than those in their 70s (P < 0.05). The optimal uric acid cutoff was 6.05 mg/dL for men and 4.45 mg/dL for women, and men had higher cutoffs than women in all age groups.

CONCLUSION

Among Korean adults, serum uric acid levels were found to be strongly associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome. More importantly, our findings suggest that derived optimal cutoff values of uric acid might offer a useful means of diagnosing metabolic syndrome in clinical settings.

Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Adults: A Hospital-Based Cohort at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital

Background

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing in Korea, particularly among young adults. This trend will increase the incidence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in the future. Therefore, it is imperative to detect and prevent metabolic abnormalities early in life. Here, we established a hospital-based biobank cohort to identify the most prevalent dysmetabolic phenotype. The aim of this report was to inform other researchers of our protocol and to share our data for future collaboration.

Methods

The baseline examination comprised health-related questionnaires, anthropometric and handgrip strength measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis of body composition, and nutritional assessment. Relevant biochemical parameters were measured, and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria with Asian waist circumference criteria.

Results

From a total of about 3,000 employees aged 20 to 59 years working at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 1,017 were enrolled from 2015 to 2016. The mean age was 34.5±8.4 years for men (n=311, 30.6%) and 30.9±8.5 years for women (n=706, 69.4%). The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 7.6% (17.7% in men and 3.1% in women). Among the five components of metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure was the most prevalent in both men (51.4%) and women (13.8%).

Conclusion

Although further follow-up data are needed, we expect that more adverse cardiovascular events may occur in men than in women. This hospital-based cohort will serve as the foundation for a comprehensive evaluation of metabolic syndrome and future cardiometabolic disease risk in middle-aged Koreans.

Metabolic syndrome: Association between prevalence and risk at worksites

This study, conducted at major Japanese companies, aimed to determine if asymptomatic workers in workplaces with a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome have a greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Data were obtained from the health records of 298,145 people, from 2011 to 2015. We collected data on the participants' age, sex, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and lifestyle behaviors. To test whether the risk of metabolic syndrome in asymptomatic workers differed between groups with a higher and lower prevalence in 2011, Cox proportional hazards regression model was performed, with the covariates being controlled for. The analysis showed that the risk of metabolic syndrome among asymptomatic workers in the high-prevalence group was about 1.1-fold elevated compared to those within the low-prevalence group. As a follow-up to these results, interventions aimed at asymptomatic workers should be provided in workplaces with a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome.

The Relationship between Workplace Environment and Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

Metabolic syndrome, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, is recognized as an important health problem.

Objective:

To investigated whether the workplace environment was associated with metabolic syndrome.

Methods:

This study was a cross-sectional study using medical records and workplace environment reports of 1297 blue-collar Korean male workers who exposed to work hazards in one workplace. The metabolic syndrome was confirmed using the NCEP ATP III. The workplace environment was classified into organic compounds, metals, acids and bases, metalworking fluid, dust, noise and shift worker.

Results:

Among the total subjects, 257 (19.8%) had metabolic syndrome. Age, BMI, current smoking status, and at risk alcohol drinking were found to be significant predictors of metabolic syndrome. In seven workplace environment categories, the odds ratio (OR) of metabolic syndrome increased 1.785 (95% CI 1.058 to 3.013) times in the metalworking fluid environment.

Conclusion:

The workplace environment, especially metalworking fluid is associated with metabolic syndrome.

Prolonged sitting increases the risk of gallstone disease regardless of physical activity: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to examine the relationship between sitting time and the development of ultrasonography-diagnosed gallstone disease (GSD) in young and middle-aged Korean men and women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a cohort study of 147,237 participants without GSD at baseline who underwent a health checkup examination between 2011 and 2015 and were followed annually or biennially until December 2016. Sitting time and physical activity were measured using the validated Korean version of the international physical activity questionnaire short form. GSD was defined as either having had a cholecystectomy or having gallstones based on ultrasound.

RESULTS

During 486,376 person-years of follow-up, 2382 incident GSD cases were identified. Both prolonged sitting time and inactive physical activity had a significant independent association with the increased risk of GSD. The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval for GSD comparing sitting times of 5-9 and ≥10 h/day with the sitting time of <5 h/day were 1.08 (0.97-1.21) and 1.15 (1.02-1.29), respectively (p for trend = .023). The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) for GSD in both the inactive and the minimally active groups compared with HEPA group were 1.22 (1.08-1.38) and 1.13 (0.99-1.28, respectively (p for trend = .001).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that sitting time may be associated with GSD risk regardless of physical activity. The findings of this study suggest that both increasing participation in physical activity and reducing sitting time may be independently important in reducing the risk of GSD.