Ethnic disparities in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its risk factors in the Suriname Health Study: a cross-sectional population study

Abstract

BackgroundThe metabolic syndrome (MetS) indicates increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. We estimated the overall and ethnic-specific prevalence of MetS and explored the associations of risk factors with MetS among Amerindian, Creole, Hindustani, Javanese, Maroon and Mixed ethnic groups.MethodWe used the 2009 Joint Interim Statement (JIS) to define MetS in a subgroup of 2946 participants of the Suriname Health Study, a national survey designed according to the WHO Steps guidelines. The prevalences of MetS and its components were determined for all ethnicities. Hierarchical logistic regressions were used to determine the associations of ethnicity, sex, age, marital status, educational level, income status, employment, smoking status, residence, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake with MetS.ResultsThe overall estimated prevalence of MetS was 39.2%. From MetS components, central obesity and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) had the highest prevalences. The prevalence of MetS was highest for the Hindustanis (52.7%) and lowest for Maroons (24.2%). The analyses showed that in the overall population sex (women: OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.2 to 1.6), age (OR 5.5 CI 4.3 to 7.2), education (OR 0.7 CI 0.6 to 0.9), living area (OR 0.6 CI 0.5 to 0.8), income (OR 0.7 CI 0.5 to 0.9) and marital status (OR 1.3 CI 1.1 to 1.6) were associated with MetS. Variations observed in the associations of the risk factors with MetS in the ethnic groups did not materially influence the associations of ethnicities with MetS.ConclusionsThe prevalence of MetS was high and varied widely among ethnicities. Overall, central obesity and low HDL-C contributed most to MetS. Further studies are needed to assess the prospective associations of risk factors with MetS in different ethnic groups.

Relationship of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and diet habits with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a multi-ethnic Asian population

“…Similarly, from a study in Suriname, South America, MetS prevalence was reported as the highest among the Hindustanis (descendent of Indians), compared to other Suriname races (40). The prevalence values of high blood pressure, low HDL-cholesterol and hyperglycemia were also high among the Suriname Hindustanis (40). In our study, results show that the Chinese appear to be less prone to developing MetS, while the Indians in Johor are at a greater risk of developing MetS.…”

“…The Cree Indians also had a higher prevalence of central obesity and hyperglycemia compared to other races in the country (14). Similarly, from a study in Suriname, South America, MetS prevalence was reported as the highest among the Hindustanis (descendent of Indians), compared to other Suriname races (40). The prevalence values of high blood pressure, low HDL-cholesterol and hyperglycemia were also high among the Suriname Hindustanis (40).…”

Metabolic Syndrome in Indigenous Amerindian Women in Suriname; Less on Waist and More on Weight?

“…Acculturation of lifestyle is already increasing among the indigenous in the interior, especially among the Wayana, where an increase in consumption of canned and processed foods has been documented [20,21]. The prevalence of MeTS in both our study subgroups was comparable to the national average for women (42.3%) [12]. Both diabetes mellitus and hypertension were less prevalent than the national average for women (resp.…”

“…We focused on women since the Suriname Health study showed that Indigenous women had the second highest MeTS prevalence nationwide [12].…”

Fifty years of primary health care in the rainforest: temporal trends in morbidity and mortality in indigenous Amerindian populations of Suriname

“…Recent studies have shown that the prevalence of obesity, tobacco use and physical inactivity are still relatively low among these populations [36,37]. This should be studied further and is important for the development of prevention policies.…”