A survey of metabolic syndrome and its components in Thai medical cadets

To determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components in Thai medical cadets.

The study was conducted at Phramongkutklao College of Medicine. Ninety six participants (78 men and 18 women) were the healthy medical cadets class 34 who firstly enrolled as the second year medical students in the academic year 2008. Data on anthropometry, blood pressure and blood studies were collected. The MS was defined using the age-specific NCEP ATP III criteria with a modified waist circumference by WHO.

The prevalence of the MS in the second year Thai medical students was 1.04%. The high percentage of MS components was attributed to low HDL-cholesterol and high blood pressure. In addition, the prevalence rates of one and two abnormalities of MS components were 31.25% and 8.33%, respectively. Overweight and obesity were found at the percentage of 21.88 and 15.62, respectively and significantly more prevalent among men than among women.

This study shows that the metabolic syndrome exists among second year medical cadets with the prevalence of 1.04%. This group is under the military rules and regulations. Though the prevalence of MS among this group is not high, the study reveals that the prevalence of one abnormality of MS components is very high up to 31.25%. These findings call for attention for developing appropriate intervention programs for early detection and promotion of proper health behaviors and lifestyles. These programs may help to decrease the incidence and morbidity associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes in Thai young adults.