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. 2013;8(2):e56159.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056159. Epub 2013 Feb 13.

Metabolic syndrome among Emirati adolescents: a school-based study

Aaesha E Mehairi  1 , Aysha A Khouri, Muna M Naqbi, Shamma J Muhairi, Fatima A Maskari, Nico Nagelkerke, Syed M Shah
Affiliations

Metabolic syndrome among Emirati adolescents: a school-based study

Aaesha E Mehairi et al. PLoS One. 2013.

Abstract

Objectives: Population-based data on metabolic syndrome (MetS) among children is lacking in the United Arab Emirates which has among the highest rates of diabetes in the world. In this study we determined the prevalence of MetS and its correlates in a sample of adolescents.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted on 1,018 adolescents (48.4% girls) aged 12-18 years from Al Ain Abu Dhabi Emirates. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic characteristics, physical activity and dietary habits. Blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, fasting glucose, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were measured. MetS was defined using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria.

Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 13%. Boys compared to girls were more likely to have MetS (21% vs. 4%, odds ratio [OR]: 6.57, 95%CI: 4.01 to 10.75). The prevalence of MetS increased with increase in body mass index and reached 59 percent in obese boys. After multivariable adjustment boys who were overweight (adjusted OR: 2.72 [1.37 to 5.35]), or obese (AOR: 12.70 [7.31 to 22.05]), or spent two or more than two hours on screen in a day (AOR: 1.65 [1.01 to 2.69) were more likely to have MetS. Girls who were overweight (AOR: 4.23 [1.32 to 13.62]) or obese (AOR: 8.32 [2.73 to 25.32]) were more likely to have MetS.

Conclusions: The prevalence of MetS is high among UAE boys. Population-based strategies are needed to address the high burden of metabolic syndrome targeted at the identified risk factors.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Enrolment process of study participants, youth aged 12 to 18 years (n-1018), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
WC waist circumference, IFG impaired fasting glucose, HDL high density, Lipoprotein cholesterol, TG triglycerides, hypertension BP≥130/85.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome components by gender among youth aged 12 to 18 years (n = 1018), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome by gender and BMI among youth aged 12 to 18 years (n = 1018), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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