Metabolic syndrome in rural area in the northern regions of the Republic of the Congo

Abstract Introduction : prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors is increasing in low-income countries. The association of cardiometabolic risk factors including dyslipidaemia, hypertension, hyperglycaemia and central obesity define metabolic syndrome (MS). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of MS among rural population in Republic of the Congo. Methods : a cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st May to 15th June 2019 (45 days), in six rural towns and villages, located in two Department of northern Congo. Screening made possible the collect of socio-demographic, clinical and biological data. Portable devices helped to carry out blood tests. The definitions of MS were those of NCEP-ATPIII, IDF 2006 and IDF central Africa . Results :a total of 609 subjects/participants were involved/recruited, including 371 women (61%). The mean age of participants was 45 ± 15.3 years (range: 18 and 85). The risk factors were reported in Table 1. Identified anomalies according IDF central Africa were: high waist circumference (n = 327, 53.7%), systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mm Hg (n = 255, 42%), diastolic blood pressure ≥ 85 mm Hg (n = 200, 32.8%), serum triglycerides ≥ 1.5 g/L (n = 96, 15.8%), low HDL cholesterol < 0.5 g/L (n = 226, 37.1%) and fasting blood glucose ≥ 1 g/L (n = 134, 22%). The prevalence of MS were: according to NCEP-ATPIII 27.1%, IDF 2006 32.7% and IDF Central Africa 31.2%. After adjusting MS was associated with age over 45 years, informal professional activities, treated hypertension, untreated hypertension, and untreated diabetes. Conclusion : the prevalence of MS is worrying in rural areas of Republic of Congo. Effective management of patients is needed in order to limit the occurrence of complications. Screening for MS extended to the entire territory of the country will make it possible to obtain more real data on this anomaly in Congo.