Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Subjects with Osteoarthritis Stratified by Age and Sex

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine association between osteoarthritis and metabolic syndrome stratified by age and gender categories. A final sample of 16,149 US residents aged 17 years or older was analyzed using the database National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NAHNES III). Variables assessed include age, gender, race, education, poverty income ratio, body mass index, smoking history, metabolic syndrome and its risk components. Continuous and categorical variables were compared in the 2 groups using T and chi-square statistics as appropriate. Multivariate analysis was performed after adjusting for the potential confounders. Five percent subjects self-reported of having osteoarthritis. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in subjects with osteoarthritis was 40% compared to 21% with no osteoarthritis. Subjects with osteoarthritis were significantly older; were females, non-Hispanic whites, less educated and had high prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. Age, being female, higher education, being non-Hispanic White, absence of osteoporosis, and body mass index were significant predictors of osteoarthritis. Metabolic syndrome was a risk factor for osteoarthritis in males.