Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome among Employees: A Study from Jordan

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major health problem around the world including Jordan and it has re-ceived notable consideration from epidemiologists in the latest years. The objective of this study was to estimate MetS prevalence among employees and its associated factors including socio-demographic, lifestyle, and dietary. Methods: A total of 491 employees (344 men and 147 women aged 20 -65 years) participated in this study. Data concerning fasting plasma glucose level, lipid profile, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements and 24-dietary recalls were obtained. Results: MetS prevalence was 36.3% (38.7% among men and 30.6% among women). Multiple logistic re-gression analysis results showed that the odds ratio of MetS was increased in older ages (OR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.43 -6.47; p < 0.01) and smokers (OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 2.58 -4.22; p < 0.01). With elevation 1 unit in the body mass index (BMI), risk of MetS increased by 30% (95% CI: 22.9% -38.4%; p < 0.01) and an increase1 mg/day in dietary iron intake, the risk of MetS increased 2.4% (95% CI: 0.07% -4.3%; p < 0.01). Conclusions: MetS prevalence is considered to be high among Jordanian employees which highlights the urgent need to develop comprehensive national strategies for preven-tion and treatment of MetS.