Abstract

Gordon Kunbuma Tachang1 , Choukem Simeon Pierrre2 , Djebet Jules3 , Ndzudie4 and Vincent P K Titanji

Metabolic syndrome (MS) has a high prevalence in many Western countries but relatively lower in subSaharan 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 periurban 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 (χ 2 -test; p < 0.001) WHR was significantly associated with sporting activities (χ 2 -test; p=0.002) and consumption of rapid sugars (χ 2 -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.