Assessment of Metabolic Syndrome and its Knowledge among Adults Visiting Fitness and Rehab Centers, Rawalpindi

Abstract

Background: The metabolic syndrome is the name of a cluster of threat factors that, when they appear together, dramatically raise the risk of heart complaint, heart failure, stroke and diabetes, as well as other non-cardiovascular conditions. Prevalence of MetS is high, which is an alarming situation. Significant public awareness has to be created to eliminate the epidemic of the metabolic syndrome, which is creating substantial challenges. Objectives: The main aim of the study is to evaluate metabolic syndrome and its knowledge among adults visiting fitness and rehab centers of Rawalpindi. Methodology: This cross sectional study included 334 eligible adults visiting the fitness and rehab centers of Rawalpindi. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and NCEP ATP III criteria was used to assess the level of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome Knowledge Level Scale (MetS-KS) was used to measure the knowledge level of MetS. Pearson chi square was employed to determine any association between sociodemographic factors and metabolic syndrome. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25 and for statistical significance, P < 0.05 was accepted. Results: Total 334 adults visiting fitness and rehab centers participated in this study out of which 41.0% (n=137) were females and 59% (n=197) were males. The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the study was 30.2% (101), out of which 36 (35.6%) were females and 65 (64.3%) were males. Factors significantly associated with Mets were educational levels, BMI, employment status, age, diabetes, hypertension, work demanding physical activity, family history of diabetes and physical activity level. Knowledge about the Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is high 54.5% (n=182) in the participants. A significant association between educational level and knowledge of METs. Out of 334 participants, 53.9% (n=180) said that patients of MetS have a higher risk of ix myocardial infarction, while 51.2% (n=171) participants reported that the thickness of the waist circumference is a crucial factor of MetS. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is quite prevalent in the population i.e. 33% and lifestyle-related risk factors are associated with the metabolic syndrome. The overall knowledge of adults regarding metabolic syndrome was good. Adopting a healthier lifestyle can have a positive impact. Keywords: Cardiovascular disorder, hypertension, knowledge, metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes