IJCM_410A: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in rural area of District Kangra of Himachal Pradesh

Background: Metabolic risk factors and abnormalities such as obesity and hypertension are rapidly rising in Indian population following widespread change in lifestyle and dietary habits. A study was conducted to estimate the current situation of metabolic syndrome in rural area of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Objective: To find out the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in adult population in identified rural area of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 177 individuals. The relevant anthropometric measurements and laboratory investigations were performed. NCEP ATP III (National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III) guidelines were used to diagnose the metabolic syndrome. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in our study was found to be 42.4% (34.99%-50.01%) and was higher among female population (71.8%). The proportion of metabolic syndrome was higher among older age group (66.7%) and only 2.7% in those who were less than 30 years of age. Conclusion: The present study documented 42.4% prevalence of metabolic syndrome in rural population, with more prevalence among females. The data was skewed, with more proportion of females in the study. Consequent upon this, development of health policies and protocols for the screening of metabolic syndrome would aid in early diagnosis and timely management of non-communicable disease.