Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome among Polish Nurses

Abstract

The metabolic syndrome, also known as syndrome X or the insulin resistance, is defined by the World Health Organization as a pathologic condition characterized by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Both all over the world and in Poland, there is a shortage of nurses; most of those employed are in the pre-retirement age. However, the requirements in this profession and the patient’s right to care at the highest level remain unchanged and do not take into account the poor condition or age of working nurses, so special attention should be paid to the state of health in this professional group. There is an emphasis on the importance of the adopted attitude toward health and the resulting behaviors, such as regular weight control, following dietary recommendations, regular physical activity and participation in preventive examinations. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of the occurrence of the metabolic syndrome, its individual components and determining the factors influencing its development in Polish nurses. The research conducted among the nurses in question included DXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) measurements, assessment of glucose concentration, lipid profile, blood pressure and a questionnaire survey. Almost half of the surveyed nurses have metabolic syndrome, which significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases or diabetes. After multivariate analysis, it was found that being overweight and obesity were significant factors influenced the MS (metabolic syndrome) occurrence among Polish nurses. Being overweight increases the chances of MS occurrence 8.58 times in relation to BMI (Body Mass Index) <25, obesity increases the chances of MS occurrence 8.085 times in relation to BMI <25, and obesity class II/III increases the chances of MS occurrence 16.505 times in relation to BMI <25. Preventive and supportive measures for this professional group are needed.

The LEAF questionnaire is a good screening tool for the identification of the Female Athlete Triad/Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport among young football players

“…BMD and body composition (percent body fat, fat-free mass) were analyzed by a certified technician using DXA. Data were collected as previously described in Bartosiewicz et al (2021) .…”

Prevalence of dyslipidaemia within Polish nurses. Cross-sectional study - single and multiple linear regression models and ROC analysis

“…However, due to stress, overwork, high patient demands and workplace hazards, the incidence of morbidity among healthcare workers is higher compared to the general population [ 2 , 3 ]. Long shift work hours, disturbance of the natural rhythm of sleep and metabolism combined with low physical activity predispose to the development of non-communicable diseases [ 4 – 8 ].…”

Health issues in nurses

“…Some diseases have a prevalence and incidence like in the general population, and others have an association with the job of nurse. The main organic diseases encountered in nurses are presented in Table 5 [53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68].…”