A Community-Based Study of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components Among Women of Rural Community in Ballabgarh, Haryana

Background: The metabolic syndrome is an important cluster of coronary heart disease risk factors with common insulin resistance. Although the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is high among Asians, including Indians, no sizeable literature is available about the magnitude of metabolic syndrome in rural areas, especially in women. Methods: Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were noted in 307 women, aged 20 years, selected through a multistage sampling technique. Blood samples were collected after overnight fasting and subjected to biochemical quantification such as fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Data were analyzed using updated National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) definition by modifying the waist circumference cutoffs as per Asia-Pacific guidelines. Results: Overall metabolic syndrome was observed in 12.0% [95% confidence interval (CI); 8.5-16.8] of the rural women population. Women in the age group 60 years had the highest prevalence (27.8%), whereas those in the age group 20-39 years had the lowest prevalence (4.2%). At least one component of metabolic syndrome was present in nearly 95% of the study respondents; 41.6% had at least two, 12.0% had at least three, and 2.6% had at least four components of metabolic syndrome. None of the participants had all the five components. Conclusion: The current prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women in rural communities of the selected area, although less than that in their urban counterparts, could be a serious problem in the future. It is incumbent on government agencies and the medical community to address this issue to prevent the consequences of its increased burden.