Prevalence and correlates of metabolic syndrome among rural women in Mysore, India.

aimsMetabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a strong predictor of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). Studies in urban India have found about one-third of Indians suffer from MetS. Less is known about the prevalence of MetS in rural areas, where 70% of the population reside. This study examined the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in a population of rural women in India.

methodsData were gathered in a community-based study of 500 rural and tribal women residing in the Mysore district, between the age of 30-59 years. The study used the WHO STEPS approach, in which information on demographics and behavioral risk factors were collected. Along with anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, blood glucose, lipids were measured. A harmonized definition of MetS recommended by International Diabetes Federation Task Force on Epidemiology and Prevention was used in this study.

resultsThree out of five study participants were found to have MetS (47.1%, n = 223). Of those, 56.5% met 3 of the 5 criteria, 32.2% met 4 criteria, and 11.2% met all 5 criteria. Among the entire sample, low HDL was the most prevalent criterion (88.4%), followed by elevated glucose (57.9%), elevated triglycerides (49.3%), elevated BP (41.5%), and increased waist circumference (15.3%). In this sample, women with METS were generally older (p < 0.001), housewives (p = 0.001), that consumed salty highly processed foods (p = 0.020) and had low physical activity (p = 0.015).

conclusionsThis study showed a high prevalence of MetS in rural women. There is a compelling need for interventions aimed at reducing CHD risk factors in this population.