Metabolic syndrome in personnel of TUMS☆ and its association with types of occupations: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) causes an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Hospital staff as an influential segment of the population are at risk of developing MetS. This study aimed to determine the occupational distribution of MetS in hospital staff and to examine the association between the type of occupation and the likelihood of developing MetS.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study we recruited 3128 personnel of TUMS, including healthcare workers, office workers and supportive workers of Tehran's University Teaching Hospitals during 2020–2022. Demographic, anthropometric indices and laboratory tests were recorded. MetS was determined using three definitions including ATP III recommendations, IDF and regional IDF criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.

Results

MetS was observed in 641 (20.5%) subjects according to ATP III recommendations, 923 (29.5%) based on IDF and 713 (22.8%) using regional IDF criteria. Using regional IDF criteria, age, gender and occupational status were associated with the MetS occurrence (all p < 0.0001). Adjusting for the age and gender of participants, healthcare workers were less likely to develop MetS compared to both office workers (OR = 0.66, 95%CI for OR: 0.55–0.80, p < 0.0001) and supportive workers (OR = 0.72, 95%CI for OR: 0.58–0.90, p = .003). However, office workers and supportive workers did not differ significantly regarding this parameter (p = .44).

Conclusion

Regardless of the MetS definition criteria, the findings indicated an alarming MetS prevalence, particularly among supportive workers and office workers. Considering the significant role of hospital staff in patients’ health promotion, effective management is essential.