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Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its component traits among students in a Nigerian university


A.A. Salawu
A.O. Akinboro
T.W. Oloyede
R.A. Kareem
O.E. Ayodele

Abstract

Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and all-cause mortality. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of MetS and its component traits among students in a Nigerian university in whom there are limited data.

Methods: 173 students (109 females and 64 males) students aged 18 – 30 years with no prior diagnosis of any component trait of MetS participated in the study. We obtained anthropometry, blood pressure (BP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and complete lipid profile of the participants. MetS was defined using the modified National Cholesterol Education Program for Adult Treatment III Guidelines (NCEPATPIII), the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the Joint Interim Statement (JIS) criteria.

Results: The prevalence rates of MetS according to the NCEP-ATP III, IDF and JIS criteria were 4.0, 3.5 and 5.8% respectively. Elevated BP, FPG, increased waist circumference (NCEP) and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were present in 13.3%, 15.0%, 4.6%, and 46.2% participants respectively. Seventy seven (44.5%) and 19 (11.0%) participants had 1 or 2 MetS traits (NCEPIII criteria). None of the participants had elevated triglyceride. The males had significantly higher mean FPG, and systolic BP while the females had significantly higher prevalence of low HDL-C. There was no statistically significant gender difference in the prevalence of MetS.

Conclusions: Nigerian university students have and are at risk of MetS. Screening and identification of MetS in this population will help in targeted intervention to reduce the risk of CVDs.

Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, university students, Nigeria


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eISSN: 2467-8252
print ISSN: 2360-7793