The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and HypertriglyceridemicWaist Based on Sociodemographic Variables and Healthy Habits in HealthcareWorkers: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

[eng] Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTW)are two multifactorial pathological conditions that have been increasing in prevalenceworldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate how various sociodemographicvariables and healthy habits are associated with the presence or absence of MetS and HTW.Methodology: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, consisting of a retrospectivelongitudinal study and a cross-sectional descriptive study, analyzing 44,939 healthcareworkers with MS and HTW across four professional categories to evaluate the relationshipbetween age, sex, smoking, physical activity, and adherence to the Mediterranean dietusing three diagnostic criteria. Descriptive analysis included categorical and quantitativevariables, which were assessed through frequencies, Student’s t-test, chi-square, and binarylogistic regression models. Logistic regression and Cohen’s kappa were used to evaluateassociations and concordances. Age, sex, and lack of physical activity showed the strongestassociations with MetS (OR: 2.65–2.84). The results highlight the importance of physicalactivity and other factors in metabolic prevention. Results: Age, sex, and physical activitywere the variables most strongly associated with MetS and HTW across the three evaluateddiagnostic criteria. The odds ratios revealed significant values: age (9.07–13.71 for MetSand 13.42 for HTW), sex (2.82–3.31 for MetS and 3.72 for HTW), and physical activity(2.65–2.84 for MetS and 2.40 for HTW). Conclusions: The risk of developing MetS andHTW among healthcare personnel is influenced by lifestyle habits, sex, and age, with thehighest ORs observed in nursing assistants and orderlies. Future research that delvesdeeper into the causal relationship between lifestyle factors and the severity of MetS andHTW in healthcare personnel will improve understanding and facilitate the developmentof preventive activities to reduce their incidence.