Prevalence and Associated Factors of the Metabolic Syndrome Among a National Population Based Sample of 18-108 Year-olds in Iraq: Results of the 2015 Steps Survey

Abstract Background:Thisstudyaimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of the metabolic syndrome (MetS)among 18-108 year-old persons inIraq.Method: Nationally representative cross-sectional data were analysed from 3,703 18-108 year old persons (32 years median age) that participated in the “2015Iraq STEPS survey,” with complete MetS measurements.Results: Results indicate that39.4% of 18-108 year-olds had MetS (harmonized definition), 39.8% among women and 39.0% among men, and the mean number of MetS components was 2.4 (SD=1.4), 2.4(SD=1.4) among women and 1.5 (SD=1.4) among men. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, older age, current and past smoking and general overweight and obesity were associated with MetS. In addition, in unadjusted analysis, having lower education, ever alcohol use, and low physical activity were associated with MetS. In adjusted linear regression analysis, male sex, lower education, and obesity were associated with greater number of MetS components.Conclusion: Two in five participants had MetS and several associated indicators were found which couldbe supportive in designing interventionactivities.