Metabolic Syndrome among Adults in Jordan: Prevalence, Trend, and Associated Factors

Background: Metabolic Syndrome is emerging as a global health challenge in the 21st century. Multiple epidemiological studies were conducted among variety of ethnic groups showed discrepancies in the prevalence of both Metabolic Syndrome and its individual components. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Jordan using the ATP III and IDF criteria and assess the changes of Metabolic Syndrome prevalence over time. Methods: Data from the 2017 cardiovascular risk factors national survey were. The survey collected extensive data from a national population-based sample of Jordanian residents. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic variables and clinical data. Blood samples were taken for biochemical measurements. Anthropometric characteristics were measured by the same team of trained field researchers. A total sample of 4,056 aged between 18 and 90 years were included. The findings from the 2017 survey were compared with the findings of the 2009 survey that adopted the same methods and procedures. Results: The crude prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome was 48.2% (52.9% among men and 46.2% among women; p<0.001) according to IDF criteria. Using the ATP III criteria, the prevalence was 44.1% (51.4% among men and 41% among women, p<0.001). The age standardized prevalence rate of Metabolic Syndrome was 44% (95% CI: 42.7%, 45.4%) and 39.9% (95% CI: 39.6%, 41.2%) using the IDF definition and ATP III criteria, respectively. The kappa measure of agreement showed excellent agreement between the two definitions (k= 81.9%, p<0.001). Of all participants, 41.7% met both the IDF and ATP III diagnostic criteria, 6.6% met the IDF criteria only and 2.5% met the ATP III criteria only. The age-standardized prevalence rate of Metabolic Syndrome was significantly higher in 2017 (45.7% in men and 44.5% in women) than that in 2009 (34.6% in men and 39.8% in women).Conclusion: The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Jordan is considerably high and increasing. Healthy lifestyle programs encouraging appropriate dietary habits and physical activity are strongly recommended in Jordan.