Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated factors in military policemen

Abstract

The metabolic syndrome is characterized by disturbances in the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates, abdominal obesity, and high blood pressure, which together increase the risk for cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This article aims to estimate the prevalence and investigate associated factors to metabolic syndrome in military police officers in Salvador (Bahia – BA). This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study, which included a random sample of 360 clinical records of police officers enrolled in the medical control program of the Military Police of Bahia in 2017. The International Diabetes Federation protocol was used to characterize the metabolic syndrome. A prevalence of 34.4% of metabolic syndrome was observed, being higher among men (35.9%) when compared with women (28.9%). Of the isolated components, the most prevalent were arterial hypertension (69%), abdominal obesity (57.8%), and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (39.4%). By the multivariate analysis, only two variables showed statistical significance in the association with the metabolic syndrome: age ≥ 38 years and the practice of physical activity, which was identified as a protective factor. The study shows a high prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and of its isolated components in the studied group, indicating the need to create health and quality of life programs that seek to prevent its occurrence among the military police of Bahia, especially with the practice of physical activity.