Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey: Evaluation of Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, and Dyslipidemia

Background: Metabolic syndrome has become a public health challenge worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for metabolic syndrome among adults in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. Methods: This study included a total of 767 people from 20 to 83 years old from 4 provinces calculated with respect to results of the 2000 census. People from the city centers, districts, and villages were selected by a stratified sampling method. Personal histories were recorded. Weight, height, and waist and hip circumferences were measured. Blood samples were obtained to determine glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides. Components of metabolic syndrome were modified from both Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 34.6% (male, 31.2%; female, 37.3%) (P > 0.05) and 28.8% (male, 23.1%; female, 33.5% (P < 0.01) according to IDF criteria and ATP III, respectively. The highest prevalence of metabolic syndrome was present in subjects aged 60-69 years; in obese people (43.2%, P < 0.001); in Hatay province (36.5%, P < 0.001); and in districts (32.2%, P > 0.05). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome criteria in all 4 provinces was as follows: type 2 diabetes mellitus, 15%; hypertension, 41.4%; obesity, 44.1%; abdominal obesity, 56.8%; low HDL-C, 34.1%; hypertriglyceridemia, 35.9%; and high LDL-C, 27.4%. Conclusions: The high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in this region is an important public health problem that may cause an increase in mortality. Urgent preventive measurements should be implemented.