Abstract
BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of MetS in northwest China. METHODS: Three thousand and one adults were included (1,915 females, 1,086 males). The prevalence of MetS analysis was stratified according to gender, age and the region of residence. RESULTS: MetS prevalence in females and males was 49.7 ± 9.8% and 32.0 ± 9.0%, respectively (p < 0.001). MetS prevalence in females increased with age and was greater in rural (n = 217) females (53.6%) compared to urban (n = 754) (45.5%) or suburban (n = 818) females (52.0%) (p = 0.003). Regression analysis revealed that rural region, age, half-meat and half-vegetable dietary style, never dieted, weight increase in the previous year and a family history of high blood pressure were independent risk factors for the development of MetS, particularly in women aged ≥50 years. CONCLUSION: MetS prevalence in women was greater than for men, increased with age and occurred more frequently in rural compared to urban and suburban females.