Prevalence and factors associated with dyslipidemia among adolescents in Saudi Arabia

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Screening for dyslipidemia at an early age is essential to prevent and control its consequences. This study aimed to determine prevalence of dyslipidemia and its correlates among adolescents in Saudi Arabia. Data of 5854 adolescents aged 10-19 years from all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia were obtained from the Jeeluna study; a national cross-sectional, multistage stratified cluster sample survey. Dyslipidemia was defined based on the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute and National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines for adolescents. We found that a quarter of Saudi adolescents have dyslipidemia (males: 33.3%, females: 17.9%). Significant variation was observed by region (p < 0.001). Prevalence of abnormal Total Cholesterol was 6.7%, LDL-C 7.1%, HDL-C 12.8%, Non-HDL-C 8.3%, and Triglycerides 9.6%. Factors independently associated with dyslipidemia were male gender (OR = 2.19, 95% CI 1.78-2.70, p < 0.001), BMI (underweight OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.69-0.94, overweight OR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.50-2.06, obese OR = 2.80, 95% CI 2.34-3.34, p < 0.001, vs. normal) and serum ferritin (high OR = 7.02, 95% CI 1.49-34.79, low OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.67-1.01, p = 0.04 vs. normal) and >= 1 daily intake of carbonated beverage (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.00-1.20, p = 0.03 vs. no or not daily intake). Public health interventions for improving lipid profile of adolescents are urgently needed.

Automated summary

A high prevalence of dyslipidemia among Saudi adolescents was found, with significant regional variation. Gender, body mass index, and serum ferritin levels were found to be independently associated with dyslipidemia. Public health interventions are urgently needed to improve the lipid profile of adolescents.