The prevalence and risk factors of the metabolic syndrome in inpatients with intellectual disability.

Background: The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence and influencing factors of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) and behavioural problems in a Dutch special healthcare institution.

Methods: This observational study was conducted from medical records of physical examinations, laboratory results, medication (history), ethnicity and length of stay, as well as from questionnaires about lifestyle and smoking habits. MetS was defined by using the criteria of the 2009 consensus guidelines.