A community based study on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in an urban and rural area of abuja- nigeria

Background: The metabolic syndrome which was hitherto taught to be a disease of the western world is now becoming more prevalent in developing countries. Of paramount importance is its association with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. This study seeks to determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in an urban and rural area of Nigeria and its association with some socio-demographic factors. Method: In a cross-sectional community based study, by a stratified random sampling method, 229 subjects were selected aged 18 – 78 years. The diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome was based on the revised third National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III definition. Results: The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 8.0%. It was more prevalent in the urban area than rural area with rates of 7.5% versus 0.5% (χ2 = 17.417, p <0.001). It was also more prevalent in females than males with rates of 6.1% versus 1.9% (χ2 = 6.367, p = 0.012). Metabolic syndrome was more prevalent in the older age group than in the younger age group with rates of 6.1% versus 1.9% (χ2 = 4.998, p = 0.025). Conclusion: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is significantly associated with urbanization, female sex and older age.