Association of education level with metabolic syndrome in Su-Xi-Chang area of Jiangsu Province

Abstract

Objective To investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MS) and education level in Su-Xi-Chang area to provide evidence for healthcare policy making. Methods A clustered sampling of 6798 subjects from Su-Xi-Chang areas of Jiangsu Province was included.Questionnaires and physical examinations were completed to collect clinical data.Logistic regression was used to analyze weather education level could be an independent risk factor of MS. Results Significant differences were found in waist circumstance (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) among participants with different education level.Significant differences were also existed in triglyceride and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between subjects with higher and lower education level (P<0.05). In single-factor or multivariate analysis, education level was negatively correlated with the prevalence of MS (P<0.05). Conclusions Education level may be an independent risk factor of MS.People with low and moderate education level have higher risk of MS.Therefore, it is recommended that health-related information should become an integral part of the compulsory education system. Key words: Metabolic syndrome X; Culture; Health education