Epidemiology of metabolic syndrome in Menoufia University students

Abstract

Objective The aim was to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its associated risk factors in Menoufia University students. Background MetS is a growing public health concern worldwide. The rapid sociocultural transition associated with major changes in lifestyle and eating habits has been claimed for the rising rates of MetS among young adults and children, which is the leading cause of developing type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Participants and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted during the academic year 2016/2017 at Menoufia University on 455 university students aged 18–25 years. The students were chosen from four faculties using multistage random sample. Anthropometric measurements were obtained. Blood pressure, fasting glucose level, and fasting lipid profile were also measured. MetS was diagnosed using adult treatment panel-III guidelines. Results The overall prevalence of MetS was 16.7%, which was more frequent among female students. The most prevalent MetS components were increased waist circumference (41.8%) followed by high triglyceride levels (40.2%) and reduced high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (36.3%). The predisposing factors for having MetS included the following: being female, older than 20 years, obese, physically inactive, high levels of stress, and a positive family history of hypertension and diabetes. Conclusion MetS is considered as a public health problem among Menoufia University students. These findings indicate the need for health promotion and prevention programs directed toward the screening, diagnosis, and management of MetS among university students.