Epidemiologic features of metabolic syndrome in a general Mongolian population / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

ABSTRACT

Background Although cardiovascular health is a crucial problem for Mongolian people, little information about metabolic syndrome (MetS), associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, is available in Mongolia. Aim The aim of this study was to observe the epidemiological features of MetS in a general Mongolian population. Material and Methods This cross-sectional study was performed in 1911 general Mongolian subjects (men=717, women=1194), who were aged ≥ 40 years and free of ischemic heart disease. The prevalence of MetS, as defined by International Diabetes Federation criteria, was determined. Results The prevalence of MetS was significantly higher in women (n=488, 40.9%) than in men (n=138, 19.2%). The prevalence of MetS was high, especially in the Khangai region. A moderate-to-high alcohol consumption was a significantly positively associated factor of MetS in men (odds ratio [OR] =2.01; 95% confidential interval [CI] 1.15-3.51; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =2.41; 95% CI 1.31-4.44) and widowed status was a significantly positively associated factor of MetS in women (OR=1.61, 95% CI 1.18-2.18; AOR=1.49, 95% CI 1.07-2.08). Conclusion MetS was prevalent in women compared with men among Mongolian adults. Preventive strategies aimed at men with higher alcohol consumption and women of widowed status may help reduce MetS, thereby improving cardiovascular health conditions in Mongolia.