Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components among university young students in south of Gaza, Palestine

Abstract EN

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardio-metabolic risk factors including central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension (HTN).

It is considered to be a leading cause for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus (DM).

Also, patients with MetS have high mortality rate.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of MetS among University College of Science and Technology (UCST) young students using the definition of National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATPIII).

The study sample was consisting of 200 students (100 males and 100 females).

Sociodemographic data, clinical data, life style status and dietary habits of the study population were taken by interview questionnaire.

Anthropometric and biochemical evaluation were carried out.

Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.

The most prevalent MetS parameters in the total sample were low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) 31.0%, large waist circumference (WC) 14.0%, high Glucose 12.5%, high Triglycerides (TG) 8.5% and high blood pressure (BP) 6.0%.

Further, the percentage of female students who had high WC was higher than thus in male students.

Based on NCEP ATP III definition, the prevalence of MetS in the total sample was 10.0%, with 8.0% of females and 12.0% males having MetS.

There is an evidence for the presence of MetS among UCST students.

It also appears that males have high incidence of MetS as compared to females.

Early detection, intervention for MetS risk factors & improve dietary habits, healthier life style & promote exercise contributes to reduce the risk of MetS development.