Gender Differences in the Pattern of Socio-Demographics Relevant to Metabolic Syndrome Among Kenyan Adults with Central Obesity at a Mission Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.
INTRODUCTION
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a risk factor for cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality. Although the risk factors for MetS are well documented, differences in gender-based demographics among Kenyan adults with central obesity are lacking.


AIM
Determine gender differences in the pattern of socio-demographics relevant to metabolic syndrome among Kenyan adults with central obesity at a mission hospital, Nairobi.


METHODS
A cross-sectional baseline survey involving adults (N = 404) with central obesity aged 18-64 years, as part of a community-based lifestyle intervention study. Respondents were systematically sampled using the International Diabetes Federation definition for MetS. Lifestyle characteristics, anthropometric, clinical and biochemical markers were measured and analyzed using SPSS.


RESULTS
High (87.2%) MetS prevalence associated with advanced age in males (p < 0.001) and females (p = 0.002) was observed. MetS was likely among divorced/separated/widowed (p = 0.021) and high income males (p = 0.002) and females (p = 0.017) with high income. Unemployed males (p = 0.008) and females with tertiary education (p = 0.019) were less likely to have MetS. Advanced age was likely to lead to high blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and triglycerides (p < 0.05). Males were more likely (p = 0.026) to have raised triglycerides, while females (p < 0.001) had low high density lipoproteins.


CONCLUSION
A high prevalence of MetS associated with social and gender differences among Kenyan adults with central obesity. These underscore the need to look beyond the behavioral and biological risks and focus on every nuance of gender differences in addressing MetS and CVDs.
['Okube|Okubatsion Tekeste|OT|', 'Kimani|Samuel T|ST|', 'Mirie|Waithira|W|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D000367:Age Factors D000368:Aged D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D004522:Educational Status D004651:Employment D005260:Female D054624:Health Status Disparities D006761:Hospitals D006801:Humans D007182:Income D007630:Kenya D008019:Life Style D008297:Male D017533:Marital Status D024821:Metabolic Syndrome D008875:Middle Aged D056128:Obesity, Abdominal D015995:Prevalence D012307:Risk Factors D012737:Sex Factors D064890:Social Determinants of Health D012959:Socioeconomic Factors D055815:Young Adult
Gender difference Metabolic syndrome Kenya Anthropometric Biomarkers Socio-demographic factors