Association between Physical Inactivity and Metabolic Syndrome in South-West Nigeria

We assessed the prevalence of physical inactivity and its association with metabolic syndrome in a rural community and an urban community in South-west Nigeria.

A cross-sectional descriptive study among healthy volunteers 18 years and above was conducted in urban (Ikeja) and rural (Ilara-Akaka) communities in Lagos and Ogun State, respectively, using a multi-stage sampling technique. Selfreported physical activity [measured in metabolic equivalent (MET)] was assessed using the World Health Organization Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Metabolic syndrome was assessed using the definition recommended by the Joint Interim Statement of the International Diabetes Federation Task Force. Regression analysis of factors associated with physical inactivity was done using IBM Statistics version 26.

A total of 437 participants were recruited with a median age of 45 years (IQR 38,56). The prevalence of physical inactivity was 24.9%. There was a significant negative correlation between metabolic syndrome components and total MET except for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Being a female (AOR 1.9 95% CI 1.0 - 3.5, p=0.040), living in an urban community (AOR 1.81 95% CI 1.1 - 2.9, p=0.014), and having metabolic syndrome (AOR 3.98 95% CI 2.2 - 6.7, p <0.001) were associated with physical inactivity. Having raised fasting plasma glucose, elevated blood pressure, increased waist circumference, and reduced HDL cholesterol were associated with physical inactivity.

There was an association between metabolic syndrome and its components with physical inactivity. In order to mitigate the effects of metabolic syndrome, public health actions that will promote physical activity, especially in urban communities, are urgently needed.