Ethnic Disparities in Metabolic Syndrome in Malaysia: An Analysis by Risk Factors

Abstract

Background: This study investigates ethnic disparities in metabolic syndrome in Malaysia. Methods: Data were obtained from the Malaysia Non-Communicable Disease Surveillance-1 (2005Surveillance-1 ( /2006. Logistic regressions of metabolic syndrome health risks on sociodemographic and health-lifestyle factors were conducted using a multiracial (Malay, Chinese, and Indian and other ethnic groups) sample of 2,366 individuals. Results: Among both males and females, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome amongst Indians was larger compared to both Malays and Chinese because Indians are more likely to exhibit central obesity, elevated fasting blood glucose, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. We also found that Indians tend to engage in less physical activity and consume fewer fruits and vegetables than Malays and Chinese. Although education and family history of chronic disease are associated with metabolic syndrome status, differences in socioeconomic attributes do not explain ethnic disparities in metabolic syndrome incidence. The difference in metabolic syndrome prevalence between Chinese and Malays was not statistically significant. Whereas both groups exhibited similar obesity rates, ethnic Chinese were less likely to suffer from high fasting blood glucose. Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome disproportionately affects Indians in Malaysia. Additionally, fasting blood glucose rates differ dramatically amongst ethnic groups. Attempts to decrease health disparities among ethnic groups in Malaysia will require greater attention to improving the metabolic health of Malays, especially Indians, by encouraging healthful lifestyle changes.

Prevalence of obesity and its associated risk factors among Chinese adults in a Malaysian suburban village

“…In the present study, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the Chinese population (21%) was lower than the reported national prevalence among Malaysian Chinese (30%). (24) One possible explanation for this difference is this study's exclusion of residents with chronic diseases. Among the non-obese participants, 15 (10%) of them had metabolic syndrome.…”

Relationship of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and diet habits with metabolic syndrome (MetS) among three ethnic groups of the Malaysian population

“…The influence of differing lifestyle choices and diet habits across the three major races of the country may provide a better understanding of the high prevalence of MetS in the country, along with measures for its containment. There have been very few studies carried out in Malaysia on investigating the influence of lifestyle factors with the risk of MetS among the Malaysian population [27][28][29]. While the two studies by Chu and Moy described the influence of physical activity on MetS among the Malays, the only study which dealt with ethnic differences with respect to physical activity and prevalence of MetS among the Malaysian population was based on the data that were collected more than 13 years ago [27][28][29].…”

“…There have been very few studies carried out in Malaysia on investigating the influence of lifestyle factors with the risk of MetS among the Malaysian population [27][28][29]. While the two studies by Chu and Moy described the influence of physical activity on MetS among the Malays, the only study which dealt with ethnic differences with respect to physical activity and prevalence of MetS among the Malaysian population was based on the data that were collected more than 13 years ago [27][28][29]. Moreover, in that study the relationship of lifestyle behaviors with MetS among major ethnicities was not reported [29].…”

Screening of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptors (PPARs) α, γ and δ Gene Polymorphisms for Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome Association in the Multi-ethnic Malaysian Population

“…1 Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPAR) are composed of three isotypes, PPARα, PPARδ/β and PPARγ. They are ligand-activated nuclear transcription factors that modulate the expression of an array of genes involved in regulating glucose, lipid and cholesterol metabolism.…”