Prevalence and Predictors of Dyslipidemia in Children and Adolescents in Yazd Greater Area, Yazd, Iran

Background: Dyslipidemia, a genetic and multifactorial disorder of lipoprotein metabolism, is defined by elevations in the levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), triglyceride, or some combination thereof as well as lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of dyslipidemia in children and adolescents in the Yazd Greater Area, Yazd, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted as a part of the national project implemented in Yazd Greater Area, Yazd, Iran. The sampling was performed using a multi-stage cluster sampling method on three age groups of girls and boys, including 6-9, 10-14, and 15-18 years old. Out of the total 1,035 children and adolescents who initially participated in this study, only 784 participants remained until the end. Data collection was performed using lifestyle questionnaires including Kiddie -SADS-Present and Lifetime Version software. Results: The rate of high triglyceride was estimated at 1.4% and 4.2% in 6-9 and 10-18 years old children and adolescents, respectively. Moreover, the prevalence of high cholesterol, LDL, and HDL were obtained at 3.2%, 3.2%, and 25.6%, respectively. The prevalence of dyslipidemia in the total population of children and adolescents was estimated at 64.6% and 57.3% in boys and girls, respectively (P=0.038) in terms of demographic variables. Gender and increase in body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with dyslipidemia with OR=1.35; 95% CI: 1.01-1.81 and OR=13.781; 95% CI: 3.78- 46.43, respectively. However, after adjustment for other factors, only an increase in BMI was significantly associated with dyslipidemia (OR=16.08; 95% CI: 4.49 - 57.59). Conclusion: Overweight and obese adolescents had a higher concentration of serum blood triglycerides, compared to their counterparts. Weight control, lifestyle, and diet modification are three ways to reduce lipid disorders in adolescents.