Sex differences in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated factors in the general population of Mongolia: A nationwide study

Abstract

The prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) between men and women in Mongolia were compared using secondary data from the STEPwise approach to non-communicable disease risk factor surveillance conducted in 2019. In total, 5,695 participants (2,577 males and 3,118 females) aged 18–69 years old were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of MetS was 37.4% in total and the prevalence was significantly higher in women (39.2%) than men (35.2%, P = 0.002). The most prevalent MetS components were abdominal obesity in women (74.2%) and high blood glucose levels in men (58.7%). All of the 2,128 participants who were categorized into MetS met the criteria of abdominal obesity. Factors associated with MetS included being 30–69 years old compared to 18–29 years old, low and moderate physical activity levels compared to high levels, history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and a high body mass index (overweight and obesity) compared to a normal body mass index in both sexes. Additional factors included Buryat ethnicity compared to Khalkh ethnicity, living in Ulaanbaatar, no education compared to primary education, higher monthly income, and currently drinking in men; and smoking and sufficient fruit and vegetable intake in women. Significant differences were observed between men and women in terms of the prevalence of MetS, components of MetS, and factors associated with MetS. To reduce MetS prevalence in Mongolia, sex-specific programs should be designed to promote health behavior, such as reducing alcohol consumption in men and smoking in women.