Metabolic syndrome and its associated factors among the adult population residing in Kannavam tribal area of Kannur District, Kerala

Background: Metabolic syndrome is an important predictor for the development of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing rapidly due to sedentary lifestyle, changing dietary patterns, and increased tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption. As the syndrome is relatively unexplored among the tribal population of India, this study was undertaken to address the issue. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and to identify its associated factors among the adult population of Kannavam tribal area, Kannur district, Kerala. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study carried out in Kannavam tribal area, Kannur district, Kerala. The study period was from March 2014 to December 2014. There are around 6,000 tribal people living in the said area. Using convenient sampling, 120 individuals aged 18 years and above were selected for the study. Data were collected using a pretested and semi-structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and transferred to central lab of the institute for analysis. National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) - Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III criteria were used for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. Data entry and analysis were done on SPSS Inc. version 17 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences, Chicago). Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to the NCEP-ATP III criteria was 28.3%. The prevalence was higher in females (32.5%) as compared to males (21%), but this difference was not statistically significant. Body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m 2 , high waist-hip ratio (WHR), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol ≥30 mg/dL were found to be significantly associated with metabolic syndrome, whereas no association was found with tobacco intake, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity. Conclusion and Recommendation: For a naive population like tribal people, 28.3% prevalence of metabolic syndrome is a cause of concern. As one-third of the study population had two out of the five risk factors, health education focused on lifestyle modification, such as regular physical activity, intake of a balanced diet, and annual checkup, should be conducted.