Gender Differences of Health Behaviors in the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome for Middle-Aged Adults: A National Cross-Sectional Study in South Korea

Abstract

This study examined gender differences in health behaviors for the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among middle-aged adults using nationally representative data from the Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2018). The sample included data from 8677 middle-aged adults. The Health Practice Index measured health behaviors, including smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, sleeping, eating breakfast, working hours, nutritionally balanced diet, and mental stress. Complex sample multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between the Health Practice Index (HPI) and MetS. Men and women with poor or moderate HPI scores had significantly higher risks of having MetS than those with good HPI scores. Controlling for covariates, high-risk alcohol use (p < 0.001) and physical activity (p = 0.008) were associated with the risk of MetS in men and women, respectively. Men reporting alcohol use and women lacking a healthy diet were, respectively, 2.056 times (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.056, 95% CI: 1.681–2.514) and 1.306 times (adjusted OR = 1.306, 95% CI: 1.075–1.587) more likely to have increased risks of MetS. Given these gender differences in health behaviors, developing tailored interventions could be beneficial in preventing MetS among middle-aged men and women.

Sex differences in risk factors for metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and senior hospital employees: a population-based cohort study

“…The middle-age and senior periods are important stage in the prevention and management of MetS owing to the increased susceptibility of individuals to MetS during these periods [ 5 – 7 ]. In addition, the risk of CVD is notably increased in middle-aged and senior adults with MetS [ 8 ].…”

“…Previous studies have indicated that early stage prevention and intervention are very effective at preventing and reducing the severity of CVD [ 3 , 4 ]. The middle-age and senior periods are important stages in the prevention and management of MetS owing to the increased susceptibility of individuals to MetS during these periods [ 5 – 7 ]. The risk of cardiovascular disease is notably increased in middle-aged and senior adults with MetS [ 8 ], and as many as 50–60% of older adults have been reported to meet the criteria for MetS [ 9 , 10 ].…”

Metabolic Syndrome and Its Related Factors among Hospital Employees: A Population-Based Cohort Study

“…Therefore, an institution must evolve a more holistic, total population health management (PHM) approach to identify high-risk individuals of MetS early and promote employee health [ 2 , 9 , 10 ]. There are multiple risk factors for MetS, such as demographic characteristics, e.g., being male [ 11 , 12 , 13 ] or a middle-aged or older adult [ 14 , 15 ]. In hospital health care settings, work schedules are commonly characterized by alternating shifts, which make hospital employees particularly vulnerable, as their jobs require them to work night or rotating shifts.…”

“…Previous research indicated that individual characteristics, such as shift work, chronic disease, family history [ 17 ], higher body mass index (BMI) [ 13 , 18 ], and unhealthy behaviours [ 19 , 20 , 21 ], are associated with higher rates of MetS. In summary, past studies pointed out that being male, being a middle-aged or older adult, having chronic diseases, having greater family histories, participating in shift work, smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and chewing betel nuts were correlated with MetS [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. In addition, some healthy behaviours, such as eating vegetables and fruits, drinking milk, and brushing teeth, were not mentioned in past studies of MetS.…”