코로나19 팬데믹 전후 청소년 대사증후군 유병률과 위험요인의 변화: 2018년과 2020년도 국민건강영양 조사를 이용한 2차 자료분석

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the changes in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its risk factors in Korean adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. Data were obtained from the 2018 and 2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Out of a total of 15,351 participants in the surveys, 971 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years were included. The data were analyzed using the rao-scott x2 test and t-test.

Results: There was no significant difference in the prevalence of adolescent metabolic syndrome before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. As for general characteristics, changes in high blood pressure were confirmed from waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome risk factors. When analyzing the general characteristics according to gender, there were significant differences in waist circumference and diastolic blood pressure in boys. Concerning the risk factors for metabolic syndrome, there was a significant difference in high blood pressure in both boys and girls and in abdominal obesity in girls.

Conclusion: Hypertension and abdominal obesity, which are risk factors for metabolic syndrome, should be managed by including them in the school health area. Communities and schools should take an active role in preparing the youth for healthy adulthood.