The Metabolic Syndrome and Health Behaviors in School Children Aged 13-16 Years in Ubon Ratchathani: UMeSIA Project.

Background: Although metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become a significant public health problem worldwide, little evidence exists to describe the prevalence of MetS in school children using MetS different classifications, and its association with health-related behaviors.

Methods: Using data on 393 children and adolescents aged 13-16 years participating in the Ubon Ratchathani Metabolic Syndrome in Adolescent (UMeSIA) Project, the prevalence of MetS was determined using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 2007 definition and other three classifications reported in the previous literature. The prevalence of the MetS was compared across sex, a family history of diabetes, type of schools, and health behaviors using chi-square test.