Metabolic Syndrome among Secondary School Teachers: Exploring the Ignored Dimension of School Health Programme

The rising trend of obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic abnormalities, pro atherogenic factors are important determinants of both the non-communicable diseases and metabolic syndrome. Employees especially school teachers have chronic stress which predisposes them to metabolic syndrome (MS). Thus, increasing the possibility of premature mortality due to CVD and T2DM and escalating the health care cost is affecting their families.

To assess the prevalence and the risk factors influencing metabolic syndrome among secondary school teachers.

A cross-sectional study among secondary school teachers of Mysore city. A self administered, pretested and structured questionnaire based on the WHO Steps Approach for NCD evaluation. Data was analysed in SPSS version 20, chi-square test for categorical variables and t-test for continuous variable was applied along with logistic regression analysis to determine the independent predictors of MS.

The prevalence of MS was 115 (38.3%). It increased from 6 (14.3%) in 21-30 years to 40(56.3%) in > 50 years age group. However, 144(48.0%) had '≤ two risk factors, 121(40.3%) had ≥ 3 risk factors and 7(2.3%) had all the five risk factor.

All components of MS were statistically significant in their association with the metabolic syndrome disease complex. The School health programme can be utilised as an opportunity to screen the teachers and provide primary preventive care.