Prevalence and risk factors in metabolic syndrome among Temiar in Kelantan

The Malaysian OA live mainly a traditional life of forest gathering. Over the decades, the Malaysian government relocated them, exposing them to lifestyle changes. This study investigated the prevalence of MetS among translocated Temiar OA. The objectives were to compare the prevalence and associated risks with other OA and Malaysian studies to inform authorities of the unintended consequences of translocation. This was a cross-sectional study of a resettled Temiar community in Kelantan. The study involved a simple random sampling of 123 resettled Temiar individuals. MetS was diagnosed on a modified NCEP ATP III Guidelines. Anthropometric, dietary, and biochemical information were gathered. Differences were determined using independent t tests for continuous variables and chi-squared test for categorical variables. The associations between variables were determined using binary logistic regression. MetS occurred in 39.8% of the subjects. They were younger adults, with a mean age of 38.6 years. Age, BMI, BP, serum adiponectin, and serum resistin predicted MetS development in this population. The prevalence of MetS was higher than reported figures for other OA and ethnic groups in Malaysia with an apparent younger onset. Associated (risk) factors are discussed.