The Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Related Factors among the Community-Dwelling Indigenous Population in Taiwan

Abstract

The aim of this study was to conduct a community-based study with a view to construct a detailed analysis about metabolic syndrome and the related risk factors of the indigenous population. This was an observational, population-based and cross-sectional study that was conducted in remote villages of an indigenous community in northern Taiwan between 2010 and 2013. A total of 586 participants, 275 men and 311 women, were eligible for analysis. The participants underwent a questionnaire survey that included demographic and health behavior issues. An anthropometric assessment and measurements of blood pressure were carried out including serum biochemical variables. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined by following the criteria provided by the modified Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). Univariate and multiple logistic regressions were used to identify the risk factors for metabolic syndrome. The standardized prevalence rates of substance use (cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and betel nut chewing) were significantly higher than the general population regardless of whether it was northern, central or southern Taiwan and this was especially the case with betel nut chewing in women. The prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome was 42.9% in the indigenous population with 41.3% in men and 44.4% in women, which was higher than for urban Taiwanese. In the multiple logistic regression models, we found that the significant associated factors for metabolic syndrome were older age, lower education level, high levels of uric acid, alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) and creatinine. A higher prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome and substance use were observed in the indigenous population compared with urban Taiwanese, especially in women.

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

“…This study is one of the few to have investigated MetS and its related factors among hospital employees with a longitudinal cohort. The results of the GEE model showed that increasing age, higher BMI, and higher WBC, ALT, and UA levels were associated with a significantly elevated risk of MetS, which is similar to previous findings [ 1 , 6 , 21 , 27 , 28 ]. However, Ho et al, Shafique et al, and Rhee et al used a cross-sectional design [ 6 , 20 , 28 ].…”

“…The causes of adverse metabolic outcomes have been posited to include a causal link between metabolic regulation and the molecular function of the circadian rhythm [ 16 ]. 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 ].…”

“…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.…”

Association of Age and Sex with Metabolic Syndrome in Taiwanese Adults

“… 10 , 20 , 22 , 23 , 26 , 32 , 37 , 45 , 46 , 48 , 51–53 Even though a recent study among Taiwanese adults also showed a lower risk in men than women, the results were not statistically significant. 54 The significant sex-age interaction on MS has also been confirmed in some studies. 10 , 11 , 18 , 22 , 28 , 32 , 33 , 38 , 40 Like our results, age was directly associated with the prevalence of MS in Taiwanese 10 , 51 , 52 , 54 , 55 and other populations.…”

“… 54 The significant sex-age interaction on MS has also been confirmed in some studies. 10 , 11 , 18 , 22 , 28 , 32 , 33 , 38 , 40 Like our results, age was directly associated with the prevalence of MS in Taiwanese 10 , 51 , 52 , 54 , 55 and other populations. 52 , 53 , 56 , 57 However, unlike our study, the prevalence in women was initially lower than in men but later increased rapidly, surpassing that in men, with a crossover effect occurring between both sexes at 60–69 years.…”