OBJECTIVES:In light of the increasing number of high-tech industry workers and the differences in their working conditions compared to those of the general population, the health status of these workers merits serious attention. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its correlates among Taiwanese high-tech industry workers.METHODS:This cross-sectional study included 4,666 workers who participated in labor health examinations at a hospital in southern Taiwan in 2008. Participants with metabolic syndrome were defined using the criteria proposed by the Taiwan National Department of Health in 2007. Factors associated with metabolic syndrome were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis.RESULTS:The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 8.2%, and the prevalence was higher in men than in women (14.0% vs. 2.3%, p<0.01). Male gender, advanced age, elevated white blood count, and elevated levels of blood biochemistry markers, such as alanine aminotransferase and uric acid, can independently predict metabolic syndrome.CONCLUSIONS:The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among high-tech industry workers is lower than in the general population. Our study's findings may facilitate early health assessments and the provision of proper workplace health promotion programs to reduce the risks faced by high-risk workers.
Background Asian Americans are often seen as a model minority; however, the group faces significant cultural, language, and financial barriers to adequate health care access. Assessing health insurance’s impact on cardiovascular disease risk factors among older Asian Americans may provide support for further research and intervention development focused on improving insurance enrollment. The authors sought to examine the associations between elevated blood pressure and body mass index and insurance coverage.MethodsIndividuals attended health fairs held by a student-led organization in Southern California between 2008 and 2011. Age and insurance status were obtained through participant questionnaires. Participants’ blood pressure and body mass index were measured. Analyses identified health and insurance associations.ResultsIn total, 53.8% of respondents were 60 years or older. Of these, 30.9% had an elevated blood pressure and 36.6% had an elevated body mass index. Of respondents 60 years or older, 52.0% had health insurance. Both elevated blood pressure (p = 0.04) and body mass index (p = 0.03) were significantly associated with lacking insurance.ConclusionsInsured participants were less likely to have elevated blood pressure and body mass index measurements, supporting a positive correlation between having insurance and less risk factors for cardiovascular disease. These findings provide incentives for further research into the importance of health insurance in preventative health care.
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