Association between Metabolic Syndrome and professional category: a cross-sectional study with Nursing professionals

Objective: to evaluate the association of Metabolic Syndrome and its components among Primary Health Care Nursing professionals in the state of Bahia, Brazil, according to professional category. Method: a cross-sectional, population-based and multicenter study conducted with 1,125 Nursing professionals. The independent variable was the professional category, dichotomized into technical and higher education levels. The outcome was Metabolic Syndrome following criteria from the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III based on anthropometric measurements and blood samples. The statistical analysis was performed by calculating the prevalence ratios and using Pearson's Chi-square test. Results: the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome was higher in the technical level category (PR=1.64; CI=1.29 - 2.06; p <= 0.01). When compared to Nurses, these professionals were older, had lower incomes, worked more on duty and performed less physical activity on a regular basis. Among the Nurses, the most prevalent component was altered cholesterol (40.5%) and among the Nursing Technicians/Assistants, it was abdominal obesity (47.3%). Conclusion: the association between the Nursing category and Metabolic Syndrome was evident, with higher occurrence among technical level professionals.