Family history associated with metabolic syndrome of adolescents of Nepal

INTRODUCTION:  Cardiovascular disease(CVD) risk is increasing in early age in European population. Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents is not estimated yet in Nepal.The aim of this study was to find out the prevalent risk factors of CVD and the association of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) with behavioral risk factors (BRF) in adolescent age group.

METHODS:  

A cross sectional study was done among the 736 school going adolescents of Nepalgunj municipality. CVD risk factors were assessed by chronic disease surveillance questionnaire of World Health Organization (WHO). MS was defined based on National   Cholesterol Education Programme (NCEP, 2003) criteria. Chi square test of association and multivariate logistic regression were applied using SPSS 11.5 version.

RESULTS:  

Prevalence of MS was 23(3.1%). Unprotective HDL and increased TG were the commonest metabolic risk factors. Most prevalent behavioral risk factor was unhealthy dietary habit 726 (98.6%). Male adolescents with positive family history were 10.8(95% CI, 2.4-48.6) times more likely to have MS .Non refined oil consumer female was 8.2 times (95% CI, 1-64.7) more likely to have MS. Stressful female were 0.2 times (95% CI, 0.06-0.9) less likely to have MS.

CONCLUSIONS:  

Decreased HDL is the most common dyslipidemia in adolescents. Unhealthy dietary habit is common modifiable behavioral risk factors of CVD in adolescents of Nepalgunj. Family history of chronic diseases is significant factor for developing MS among male adolescents.