METABOLIC SYNDROME AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN NORTHEAST NIGERIA.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors that may predispose to cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. These risk factors include hypertension, central obesity, hyperglycaemia, hypertriglyceridemia and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The presence of at least three of these risks factors defines MetS. Globally, MetS now affects children and adolescents with increasing obesity prevalence. This study determined the prevalence of MetS and associated risk factors among secondary school adolescents in Gombe Local Government Area(LGA), Northeast Nigeria.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study; 688 participants from 12 secondary schools in Gombe LGA, Northeast Nigeria. Data were obtained using structured questionnaire. Anthropometry and blood pressure were measured. Fasting plasma glucose, serum triglyceride and HDL-C were determined. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21.

RESULT: The prevalence of MetS was 1.3%. Low serum HDL-C was the commonest risk factor. MetS was significantly higher in upper socio-economic class and private school participants. Lifestyle and family medical history were not significantly associated with MetS.

CONCLUSION: This study showed that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was low in the overall study population but high among centrally obese adolescents. Metabolic syndrome occurred in normal weight and underweight participants. Low HDL-C was the commonest risk factor for metabolic syndrome and lifestyle and family medical history were not associated with metabolic syndrome.