Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components among civil servants in a metropolitan city in Northern Nigeria

Awosan, K.J.^1*, Ibrahim, M.T.O.¹, Arisegi, S.A.², Ejimadu, S.P.³, Erhiano, E.E.⁴, Aderahman, A.T.⁵

¹Department of Community Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.

²Department of Family Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.

³Department of Chemical Pathology, Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.

⁴General Outpatient Department, Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.

⁵Department of Internal Medicine, Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.

*Corresponding Author  E-mail: awosankj1@yahoo.com  

Accepted 31 October, 2013

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome has been described as a global time bomb, with a quarter of the world’s adults estimated to be having the condition. Reports from studies show high prevalence of metabolic syndrome globally mirroring the rising prevalence of its components, a sequel to urbanization, industrialization and changes in lifestyle. This study sought to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components in Sokoto, Nigeria. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among 270 civil servants selected by multistage sampling technique from October to November 2012. A proforma was used to collect data on participants’ socio-demographic characteristics. Anthropometric measurement, blood pressure measurement, and estimation of fasting plasma glucose and lipid profile were done for the participants. Prevalence of the components of metabolic syndrome was high by the NCEP-ATP III / (IDF) definitions as follows; central obesity 30.7% (39.6%), low HDL cholesterol 37.8%, raised triglycerides 32.8%, raised fasting plasma glucose 10.7% (19.3%) and raised blood pressure 31.9%. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was also high with a higher prevalence among females both by the NCEP-ATP III definition, 17.8% (males 8.6%, females 31.5%) and the IDF definition, 18.5% (males 13.0%, females 26.9%). This study demonstrated high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components among civil servants in Sokoto. Community based surveys in both rural and urban populations in the state to determine their burden; and public health interventions for their prevention and control are suggested.

Keywords: Prevalence, metabolic syndrome, components, civil servants