Effect of lifestyle options on the determinants of the Metabolic Syndrome in the urban and peri-urban Regions of Cameroon

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MS) has a high prevalence in many Western countries but relatively lower in sub
Saharan Africa. The prevalence of the key determinants of MS, like Hypertension, Diabetes, Elevated Body 
Mass Index (BMI), Dyslipidemias and central obesity, are on a steady rise in Africa. This study aims to 
assess the effect of lifestyle options on the determinants of the metabolic syndrome in the urban and peri
urban regions of Cameroon. 1974 males and females patients aged between 18 -80 years were recruited for 
this study between 2010 and 2011. Trained and forthrightly certified nurses obtained blood pressure and 
anthropometric measurements and collected a venous blood sample for measurement of glucose. 
Questionnaires on medical and medication history as well as lifestyle options were administered. 
Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its components were estimated using the International Diabetes 
Federation, (IDF) 2005, World Health Organization (WHO, 1999), NCEP-ATP III criteria. Associations between 
lifestyle options and determinants of the Metabolic syndrome was done using χ2-test and Analysis of 
Variance (ANOVA) Multivariable analysis was conducted using the Binomial logistic regression models 
since MS is both a categorical and a dichotomous variable. The diabetic condition was significantly 
associated with the consumption of rapid sugars (χ2-test; p<0.001). BMI was significantly associated with 
occupation (χ2-test; p < 0.001) WHR was significantly associated with sporting activities (χ2-test; p=0.002) 
and consumption of rapid sugars (χ2-test; p=0.001). The determinants of MS’ had the highest explanatory 
power (EP=80.5%) toward Metabolic syndrome diabetes history (p<0.001). Hypertension was significantly 
associated with area of residence, occupation and consumption of rapid sugars (p<0.001). Sleep duration 
and sporting activities were not significantly associated with the determinants of the metabolic syndrome.