ABSTRACT
Background: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MetSyn and insulin resistance (IR) in children and adolescents in Qazvin, Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 338 children and adolescents aged 10–18 years old who were selected by a multistage cluster random sampling method. We performed standardised measurements of variables including waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, plasma glucose level, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), triglycerides, and insulin. MetSyn was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. IR was estimated by the homeostatic model assessment. Results: Of the 338 total subjects, 172 were female. The overall prevalence of MetSyn and IR were 3.4% and 18.2%, respectively. There was no sex difference for the prevalence of MetSyn. A total of 185 subjects (56.4%) had one or two components of MetSyn. The most common component was low HDL levels in both sexes, which was followed by high WC in females and high fasting plasma glucose levels in males. Conclusion: The lack of a standard definition of MetSyn in children and adolescents combined with the geographical and socioeconomic differences make it difficult to compare the results from different studies. Modification of lifestyle habits is an important strategy in preventing MetSyn and IR.
ABSTRACT
Sleep problems are experienced by 25-30 percent of children and adolescents, regardless of age. The purpose of this study was to investigate if there is any relationship between gender or school entrance and sleep complaints. From June 2008 to May 2009 children aged 2 to 12 years were selected by clustered randomization of families. The Persian version of the BEARS questionnaire [Bedtime problems, Excessive sleepiness, Awakenings during the night, Regularity of sleep, Snoring] with five domains was filled out by general pediatricians. Prevalence of sleep complaints in each B-E-A-R-S category was calculated and compared for pre-school and school-age groups. BEARS questionnaire was completed for a total of 746 children [2-12 years old]; 325 in pre-school-age group [2-6 years old] [142 females [43.7%] and 183 males [56.3%]] and 421 in primary school-age group [7-12 years old] with the average age of 3.93 [ +/- 0.16] years and 9.63 [ +/- 0.16] years respectively. The most common screening problem in both groups was excessive daytime sleepiness [64.9% and 62.9% respectively]. Bedtime problems and also regularity and duration of sleep were significantly more prevalent in pre-school-age group [P<0.0002; odds ratio [OR] =1.98; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.98-4.20; and OR=2.00; 95%CI: 1.41- 2.84 respectively]. The difference between mean sleep duration between pre-school age and school-age groups was statistically significant [P<0.0001]. The current survey shows that different types of sleep problems are relatively high especially in the form of excessive daytime sleeping domain in preschool- and school-aged children. Bedtime problems and regularity problems were significantly more prevalent in pre-school-age group. School entrance seems to play a positive role for bedtime problems, and sleep-disordered breathing