Prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome in Community Health Workers

Abstract

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome is a complex metabolic disorder, characterized by the association of cardiovascular risk factors and insulin resistance. In Primary Health Care, some work conditions to which professionals are exposed can be a source of illness and the literature shows that work aspects are associated with metabolic syndrome, that is, that the occupational context is capable of being an exposure factor for the development of this problem. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated factors among community health workers in a city in the North of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Cross-sectional study, in which sociodemographic, lifestyle, work, anthropometric, biochemical, and emotional aspects of data were collected. The dependent variable metabolic syndrome was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Descriptive and multiple Poisson regression analyzes were carried out with robust variance, considering a significance level of 5% (p<0.05) for the final model. 673 community health workers were evaluated, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 20.8% and was associated with the age group ≥40 years, lower education (elementary and/or secondary), overweight/obesity, low-density lipoprotein ≥130 mg/dl and C-reactive protein >5.0 mg/dl. A high prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found in community health workers. There is a need for studies to delve deeper into the topic and develop actions aimed at promoting healthy behavioral habits, as well as preventing risk factors.