Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Adult Females: Comparison between Iranian National Definition and Currently Used International Criteria

Background: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasingworldwide. Limited data are available trying to compare differentdefinitions suggested to identify MetS. This study aimed to compare theprevalence of MetS and its components based on currently availableinternational and Iranian national definitions. Methods: The present crosssectionalstudy was conducted in 2015 amongfemale teachers residing inYazd city. Demographic data and information on physical activity,participants, education, economic statusand number of deliveries weregathered using self-administered questionnaires. Anthropometricmeasurements and serum lipid profile were assessed according to standardprocedures. MetS was defined based on international diabetes federation(IDF), national cholesterol education program; adult treatment panel III(NCEP, ATPIII), and Iranian national definition. Results: A total number of450 participants aged 40.60 ± 8.25 y were included in this analysis.Prevalence of MetS based on ATPIII definition, IDF definition, and Iranianmodified definition were 39.11%, 40.89%, and 31.11%, respectively.Prevalence of MetS among women aged over 50 y was more than thoseaged 20-50 y (P < 0.001). Based on different definitions, women withhigher physical activity had lower prevalence of MetS (base on ATPIII, P =0.036). Prevalence of MetS also was higher in women with more deliveries(for three definitions, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of MetS washigh in female teachers living in central province of Iran. It seems thatATPIII and Iranian national criteria can better represent the differences inthe prevalence of MetS. Large scale prospective studies are recommended toconfirm our results.

Keywords:

Prevalence , Metabolic syndrome definitions , Female teachers , Iran