Determinants of metabolic syndrome: a population survey at Bizerte military garrison in 2015-2017

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a worldwide major public health problem. In Tunisia, few studies have focused on MetS in general population and in military setting in particular.

To determine the prevalence of the MetS in a military population at Bizerte garrison (Tunisia) and to identify its associated factors.

An analytical cross sectional study was conducted in Bizerte military garrison during the period 2015-2017. The study population was the active military persons who were presents during the time of the survey and assigned at the three main navy, air force and army units of Bizerte garrison. The adopted definition for the diagnosis of MetS was the International Diabetes Federation 2005 (IDF 2005). Multivariate analysis using a binary logistic regression model to identify independent factors to MetS (variable of interest) was performed. Data entry and analysis were performed using SPSS 20.0 Software.

During the study period, 2500 active military were enrolled among them 2418 men. The mean age was 36.6 ± 9.1 years [20.0 - 59.0]. The prevalence of MetS was 17.7%. MetS was significantly higher among participants aged 40 and above, (23.8% vs 13.1%), single (21.6% vs 13.7%), diabetic (38.5% vs 15.5%), and assigned in the air force (23.1% vs 14.6%) compared to the rest of the study population. The independent factors identified in multivariate analysis were age, armed forces' affiliation and marital status.

The prevalence of MetS in our military population was relatively high despite of the medical criteria imposed before incorporation. Population and targeted approach are needed to prevent this scourge and to protect from the complications.