Prevalence and associated factors of metabolic syndrome in adults: a population-based epidemiological survey in Jiangxi province, China

Abstract Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) has abruptly increased in China in the past two decades, gradually representing an important public health threat over the years. Here, we firstly reported the prevalence and associated factors of metabolic syndrome in Jiangxi province, China. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional survey was performed in Jiangxi province, China, from April to August 2015. MS was diagnosed by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS) criteria, respectively. Factors associated with MS were investigated by multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 2665 residents aged over 18 years were enrolled, and 2580 effectively participated. According to IDF and CDS criteria, age-standardized prevalence of MS were 21.1% and 15.2% in all participants, respectively; prevalence were 19.6% or 17.1% in men, and 22.7% or 13.0% in women, based on these respective criteria. Rural participants had a significantly higher prevalence than urban individuals, so did rural females. Prevalence in males did not differ between rural and urban participants. Factors independently associated with MS were low education level and menopausal state. Conclusions: MS is highly prevalent in adults in Jiangxi province, China. Low education level and menopausal state are independently associated with MS. Keywords: metabolic syndrome, prevalence, associated factors