Authors

Brayant Andrade Méndez1, Ingrid Yolercy Troche Gutiérrez2, Laura Daniela Torres Muñoz3

Position

1Magister en Enfermería. Universidad Surcolombiana. Neiva (Colombia)2Magister en Salud Pública. Universidad Surcolombiana. Neiva (Colombia)3Enfermera. Universidad Surcolombiana. Neiva (Colombia)

Contact address

Brayant Andrade Méndez. Universidad Surcolombiana. Calle 9, 14-03. 410010 Neiva, Huila (Colombia).

Contact email: brayant.andrade@usco.edu.co

Abstract

Objective: to identify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its association with the lifestyles and occupational roles of the staff working at a Colombian public university.
Methodology: a descriptive cross-sectional study with workers under permanent contract in the administration, general services and teaching areas from the Universidad Surcolombiana; persons with specific previous conditions were excluded, and the result was N= 220. Proportional stratified sampling was applied according to job titles, and the result was N= 63 persons. Sociodemographic variables were collected, as well as lifestyle variables with the STEPS 3.0 and IPAQ questionnaire, anthropometric, and biochemical variables through blood sample test. The MetS was determined according to the criteria by the International Federation of Diabetes.
Results: the study included 63 workers (100%). Their average age was 53 years, and 52.4% were male. The diagnostic criteria more altered in women were the abdominal girth (p= 0.049) and HDL levels (p< 0.01); and in males, the triglyceride value (p> 0.01). There was a 42.8% prevalence of MetS, and it was more frequent among women (51.9%). An association was found with a low intake of fruits and vegetables (p= 0.006), low physical activity (p= 0.001), high blood pressure (p< 0.001), hypertriglyceridemia (p= 0.012) and hyperglycaemia (p= 0.04). Even though the body mass index did not present a significant association (p= 0.057), an increase in the prevalence of MetS was observed associated with its increase.
Conclusions: the prevalence of MetS among university workers was higher than the one documented at national and international level, and it was associated with unhealthy life habits such as sedentarism and unwholesome diet. Priority interventions are required in terms of health promotion and disease prevention.

Keywords:

metabolic syndrome; college workers; prevalence; risk factors; life style; occupational health

Versión en Español

Título:

Prevalencia de síndrome metabólico en trabajadores universitarios y factores asociados