Correlates of metabolic syndrome among young Brazilian adolescents population

Background: Findings available in literature indicate that metabolic syndrome (MetS) diagnosed in young ages tends to remain in adulthood. The aim of the study was to identify demographic, nutritional, anthropometric and behavioral correlates of MetS in a sample of adolescents from Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional school-based study involving 274 participants aged 12-18 years (186 girls and 88 boys). Anthropometric measurements were performed and a questionnaire with structured questions was applied for data collection. MetS was identified according to criteria proposed by the International Diabetes Federation. Data were statistically treated using bivariate analysis and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: The proportion of adolescents identified with MetS was equivalent to 4.7% [95% CI (3.6-6.0)]. Multivariate analysis showed that older age (OR = 1.22 [1.04-1.73]) and higher economic class (OR = 1.25 [1.07-1.96]) were significantly associated with MetS. Among behavioral factors, longer recreational screen time (OR = 1.26 [1.05-1.94]) and low fruits/vegetables intake (OR = 1.49 [1.23-2.41]) were independently associated with MetS. Likewise, excess body weight (OR = 1.52 [1.24-2.41]) was significantly associated with the outcome. Conclusion: The high proportion of adolescents with MetS and the identification of their correlates reinforce the need for early life style intervention and awareness programs in this population group.