Factors associated with metabolic syndrome in a sample of women in Puerto Rico.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and demographic, health, and lifestyle characteristics in a sample of women living in Puerto Rico.

Methods: The study group consisted of 214 women aged 36 to 82 years, residing in the metropolitan area of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Demographic, reproductive, lifestyle, and metabolic variables were assessed through an annual questionnaire and blood chemistries. MetS was defined according to the criteria set by the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults/Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

Results: The overall prevalence of MetS was 24% according to NCEP/ATP III criteria and 33% according to IDF criteria. When using the IDF criteria, 37% of participants older than 51 years have MetS, in contrast to 28% when using the NCEP/ATP III criteria. Obese women have an increased probability of MetS when adjusting for age, education level, menopause status, and/or alcohol use (IDF criteria: estimated odds ratio [OR], 2.68; 95% CI, 1.44-4.97; NCEP/ATP III criteria: estimated OR, 3.42; 95% CI, 1.71-6.84). A higher education level (estimated OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.23-0.92 [IDF criteria]) and alcohol consumption (estimated OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.23-0.99 [NCEP/ATP III criteria]) seem to provide a protective effect, when adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions: Our study confirms obesity as an important risk factor associated with MetS in this sample of women in Puerto Rico. Alcohol consumption and a higher education level seem to decrease the prevalence of MetS. In view of this, patient counseling regarding weight reduction and lifestyle modification should be emphasized in the primary prevention and management of MetS. Additional studies are warranted to further characterize the effect of menopause status on MetS.