Trends of Metabolic Syndrome Components in Personnel at the Rajavithi Hospital

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of medical disorders which increases the risk of developing diabetes. Studies have shown variable prevalence of this syndrome, but being elderly has often been found to increase the likelihood of developing Mets. This study aims to determine trends in Mets components among Rajavithi Hospital personnel.

A cross-sectional study was carried out from 2009 to 2011. Participants were aged 35 years or more, and the numbers of participants were 504, 1,029 and 1,057 in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Using medical records after an annual check-up, MetS was defined in accordance with the updated National Cholesterol Educational Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) guideline. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with Mets.

Most participants were female, and the mean ages were 45.8 ± 7.6, 45.6 ± 7.9 and 46.1 ± 7.1 years in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. In each of the three years, mean age, BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, glucose and uric acid were all significantly higher in individuals who had Mets. The prevalence of Mets in 2009, 2010 and 2011 was 7.1%, 5.9% and 4.6%, respectively. Hypertension was the most common abnormal metabolic risk factor in both sexes. The most frequent cluster of MetS components was a combination of hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia and glucose in males, but hypertension, abdominal obesity, and high triglyceride levels in females. The prevalence of MetS was associated with advancing age, male gender and individuals who worked in administration.

The prevalence of Mets was low and decreased slightly each year. Associated risk factors of Mets were increasing age, male gender and working in administration. Some components of MetS, especially waist circumference, blood pressure, triglyceride levels and glucose, are risk factors of metabolic syndrome and should be avoided in order to decrease its prevalence.