Prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome among an endangered tribal population in Malaysia using harmonized IDF criteria

Abstract

The prevalence and risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) of endangered subtribes are scantly reported. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with MetS among the endangered Orang Asli (OA) populations using the latest harmonized International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition. This cross-sectional study was conducted in geographical locations of the endangered subtribes namely Che Wong, Kensiu, Lanoh, and Orang Kanaq by random selection, and Semai was selected as a subtribe with a larger population as a comparison area in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 160 respondents aged between 18 and 72 years were recruited. The respondents were measured for their weight, height, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Overnight fasting venous blood samples were analyzed for lipid profile and plasma glucose. The overall prevalence of MetS was 17.0 % (27/159). MetS rate among the endangered population only was 20.5 % (24/117). MetS prevalence was higher among the suburban Orang Kanaq (63.6 %), Che Wong (18.5 %), and Kensiu (16.4 %) subtribes and lower among the rural Lenoh (12.5 %) and Semai (7.1 %) subtribes (P = 0.003). MetS was significantly higher in females (23.8 %) compared to male (5.2 %) respondents. The risk factors identified for higher prevalence of MetS in females included overweight and obesity (P < 0.001), increased waist circumference (P < 0.001), and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P < 0.001). The prevalence of MetS among the endangered OA females is alarmingly high, especially among Orang Kanaq subtribe, which needs immediate attention.