Prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome and its Associated Factors among Hospital Workers at a Rwandan Provincial Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

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Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of interconnected risk factors, affecting approximately 20-30% of the adult population worldwide, with a rising burden in sub-Saharan Africa, including Rwanda. Hospital workers, a critical component of the healthcare system, are at risk of developing MetS due to occupational stress, sedentary lifestyle, and poor dietary habits. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS and its associated risk factors among hospital workers at a provincial hospital in Rwanda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers aged 35-65 years at a provincial hospital in Rwanda. Data were collected using the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise tool and MetS was defined according to NCEP ATP III (National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III) criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 15, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of MetS was 37.9%, significantly higher in females (48.7%) than males (7.7%, p < 0.001). Low High-Density Lipoprotein-C (HDL-C) was the most prevalent MetS component (60.8%), especially among females. Abdominal obesity was also significantly higher in females. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified increasing Body Mass Index (BMI) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.44; p = 0.001) and age (aOR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.03-1.23; p = 0.010) were identified as independent predictors of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is common among hospital workers in Rwanda, particularly among women. Higher BMI and older age are key predictors, highlighting the need for targeted workplace interventions to reduce modifiable risk factors and improve metabolic health in this population.

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