Prevalence of metabolic syndrome components among University students in Kenya

Abstract

Objective: To examine the prevalence and major components of MS among Maseno University students. Design: Descriptive cross- sectional study design Setting: Maseno University, Medical Physiology laboratory Participants: 429 participants were recruited from a target population of 17000 Maseno University students using stratified sampling technique. Interventions: Socio-demographic data of participants were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Anthropometric parameters including Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference and biochemical parameters of triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured by following the World Health Organization guidelines. Blood pressure was measured in mmHg using automated Omron M2 blood pressure device and fasting blood sugar by use of a Hemocue blood glucose analyzer. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data. Results: The MS prevalence among the University students was found to be 12.4%. The most frequently observed components were low High-Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol at 98.1% (males 65% and females 33.1%), fasting blood sugar (24.5%) and Body Mass Index ≥30kg/m2 (4.9%). High Central obesity, high blood pressure and raised Triglycerides were observed less frequently (9.3%, 1.9% and 1.2% respectively). Conclusion: MS prevalence is 12.4% and low High-Density Lipoprotein –cholesterol is the most prevalent component among the University students in Kenya.