Changes in the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome, Its Components, and Relevant Preventive Medication between 2011 and 2018 in the Northeast Hungarian Roma Population

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of clinical conditions that poses a major health burden worldwide. In the present study, we investigate the changes in the prevalence of MetS and its components among the Roma in two disadvantaged counties in Northeastern Hungary focusing on a seven-year-long period. The database of the present study is based on cross-sectional surveys of the Hungarian Roma population (aged 20–64 years) conducted in 2011 (n = 458) and 2018 (n = 374). The increase in the prevalence of MetS itself in the whole Roma population was not found to be significant in the period examined (although it increased from 40.0% up to 46.0%, p = 0.080); however, regarding its components, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of central obesity (from 62.7% to 73.3%, p = 0.001) and raised blood pressure (BP) or treated hypertension (from 45.2% to 54.5%, p = 0.007). These changes were mainly observed in the younger age groups, so the risk for MetS increased significantly in the 20–34 (OR = 1.10, p = 0.038) and 35–49 (OR = 1.07, p = 0.048) year age groups in the 2018 study population compared the 2011 one. The increasing prevalence of hidden hypertension and, consequently, untreated individuals with raised BP (from 29.6% to 43.5%, p = 0.014) among females is quite alarming; therefore, a targeted public health strategy and targeted interventions are desperately needed to prevent further worsening of the current situation.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Patients at a Psychosocial Care Center: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Additionally, the described high prevalence of MS, the prevalence of obesity (40.9%), and the abdominal adiposity deposition (58.1%) found are reasons to call our attention to the possibility of greater metabolic illness in these individuals. Despite the data in Brazil and worldwide showing an increase in the prevalence of obesity [ 10 , 20 ] and abdominal adiposity [ 21 ], the data from the present study exceeds the prevalence of other local studies with populations from geographically similar regions, which describe the prevalence of obesity and overweight status as 23.5% and 42.9%, respectively [ 22 ]. Furthermore, in other studies developed by this research group, increased abdominal adiposity was found in 41.5% of nursing professionals, and ranged from 34.8% among men to 38.8% of women physicians [ 23 , 24 ].…”

Unequal burden of COVID-19 in Hungary: a geographical and socioeconomic analysis of the second wave of the pandemic

“…[50][51][52][53][54] In a 2018 study, it was showed that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components (especially that of abdominal obesity, hypertension and elevated fasting glucose level) has increased significantly in the Hungarian population in the last decade, as has the number of individuals whose hypertension and metabolic disturbances remain untreated. 55 They are also at higher risk of contracting the virus because they are more likely to be in public facing jobs, are less likely to be able to work remotely and find it more difficult to isolate if infected. 7 14 Although Hungary has a well-developed health system, we do know that Roma in particular often have high levels of unmet need so this may also play a role.…”

Genetic Susceptibility to Insulin Resistance and Its Association with Estimated Longevity in the Hungarian General and Roma Populations

“…The increase mainly affected the younger (20–34 years old) age group (12.1% in 2006 vs. 31.6% in 2018, p = 0.001) [ 61 ]. The risk for MetS increased significantly in the 20–34 (OR = 1.10, p = 0.038) and 35–49 (OR = 1.07, p = 0.048) year age groups of Roma in a much shorter period of time, i.e., in the 2018 study population compared to the 2011 one [ 62 ]. Nevertheless, the number of published IR studies in the HG population [ 45 ] is limited and sporadic in the Roma population [ 45 , 63 ].…”