Trends of Metabolic Syndrome Components in Personnel at the Rajavithi Hospital
Charuwan Manmee PhD*, Ploypassorn Ainwan BBA*, Kanya Janpol MSc*
Affiliation : * Division of Medical Research, Department of Research and Technology Assessment, Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of medical disorders which increases the risk of developing diabetes.
Studies have shown variable prevalence of this syndrome, but being elderly has often been found to increase the likelihood of
developing Mets. This study aims to determine trends in Mets components among Rajavithi Hospital personnel.
Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out from 2009 to 2011. Participants were aged 35 years or more,
and the numbers of participants were 504, 1,029 and 1,057 in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Using medical records after
an annual check-up, MetS was defined in accordance with the updated National Cholesterol Educational Program Adult
Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) guideline. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with Mets.
Results : Most participants were female, and the mean ages were 45.8+7.6, 45.6+7.9 and 46.1+7.1 years in 2009, 2010 and
2011, respectively. In each of the three years, mean age, BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, glucose and uric acid were
all significantly higher in individuals who had Mets. The prevalence of Mets in 2009, 2010 and 2011 was 7.1%, 5.9% and
4.6%, respectively. Hypertension was the most common abnormal metabolic risk factor in both sexes. The most frequent
cluster of MetS components was a combination of hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia and glucose in males, but hypertension,
abdominal obesity, and high triglyceride levels in females. The prevalence of MetS was associated with advancing age, male
gender and individuals who worked in administration.
Conclusion : The prevalence of Mets was low and decreased slightly each year. Associated risk factors of Mets were
increasing age, male gender and working in administration. Some components of MetS, especially waist circumference, blood
pressure, triglyceride levels and glucose, are risk factors of metabolic syndrome and should be avoided in order to decrease
its prevalence.
Keywords : Metabolic syndrome, NCEP/ATP III, Health personnel
