Sociodemographic and Health Characteristics Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Men and Women Aged ≥50 Years

Abstract

Background: There are limited studies on the prevalence of and risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS) in people aged ≥50 years. This study investigated the sociodemographic and health characteristics related to MetS prevalence in men and women aged ≥50 years to assess clustering of risk factors.

Methods: This study used the 2016 survey data of 2927 people aged 50?79 years who were administered questionnaires and underwent examinations. Participants were divided into adults aged 50?64 and 65?79 years and further into four subgroups, according to sex. Differences in sociodemographic and health characteristics by sex were verified using the chi-squared test. Complex sample logistic regression analysis was performed to verify factors related to MetS.

Results: The sociodemographic characteristics associated with MetS in men and women aged 50?64 years, included living without a spouse, having a middle school education or less, and reporting a low economic status. The health characteristics associated with MetS in men aged 50?64 years were current smoking status and strength training <2 times/week. The sociodemographic characteristic associated with MetS in women aged 65?79 years was living without a spouse. Hypertriglyceridemia was the risk factor most associated with MetS prevalence.

Conclusions: Among men and women aged 50?64 years, living without a spouse, having a low education level, and reporting a low economic status were associated with MetS prevalence. Current smoking status and strength training <2 times/week for men and living without a spouse for women aged 65?79 years were associated with MetS.