Metabolic Syndrome among Sedentary Workers: A Cross-sectional Study in Tamale, Ghana

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among sedentary workers in Tamale metropolis.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Tamale, Ghana, from January to June 2018.

Methodology: One hundred and fifteen (115) sedentary workers were randomly selected for this study.

Sociodemographic data were collected using a self-designed questionnaire, anthropometric measurements were taken and blood samples collected for biochemical assays. Metabolic syndrome was defined by using the definitions from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and the World Health Organization.

Results: The prevalence of MetS was 1.7%, 14.8% and 17.7% according to the WHO, IDF and NCEP-ATP III criteria respectively. Using NCEP-ATP III and IDF criteria, the prevalence of abdominal obesity in female workers (75% and 84.7% respectively) was significantly higher compared to that of males (16.3% and 55.8% respectively). The prevalence of MetS generally increased with increasing age.

Conclusion: The study highlights a worrying trend of Metabolic syndrome in sedentary workers irrespective of the criterion applied. Hence, precautionary measures such as regular exercise, and active lifestyles must be encouraged to reduce the threatening impact of the MetS in this population.