Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in a Rural Community in Nigeria

Background: There has been an increasing interest in metabolic syndrome, but few, if any, epidemiological studies on the subject have been conducted in Nigeria. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in a Nigerian rural community. Methods: A total of 132 participants from three rural towns in southwestern Nigeria were recruited for the study. Anthropometric variables, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and blood pressure were assessed. The survey was carried out within 2 months after community mobilization and consent. Results: The mean ages of participants were 58.6 +/- 16.9 males and 46.1 +/- 18.7 females. The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found to be 12.1%, with males and females at 12.7% and 11.8%, respectively. There was no significant difference in males and females with the syndrome. Although the prevalence of abdominal obesity was higher in females than males, 16.9% and 7.3%, respectively, the men exhibited a higher mean serum level of triglyceride (P < 0.05). Only 2 (1.5%) of the males had a high fasting serum glucose level. Conclusions: These results from a representative sample of the Nigerian rural population show a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The large number of Nigerians with the metabolic syndrome may have important implications for the health-care sector.