Differences across four major US urban areas in metabolic syndrome in the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth)

Abstract

Background

Although Hispanic/Latino youth experience a high burden of cardiometabolic risk factors, few studies address regional differences.

Objective

We assessed differences between urban areas in metabolic syndrome and cardiometabolic markers among US Hispanic/Latino youth and examined underlying factors explaining these differences.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of youth (n = 1466, aged 8–16 years) in four US urban areas (Chicago, Bronx, Miami and San Diego) of the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latinos. Metabolic syndrome was ascertained following the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Socio-demographics, perceived environmental characteristics and diet quality were collected through questionnaires. Physical activity was measured using accelerometry. Survey regression models assessed the association between urban areas and metabolic syndrome.

Results

There were differences across urban areas in socio-demographic, behavioural and perceived environmental characteristics. Relative to youth in the four urban areas, youth in Chicago (odds ratios [OR]: 2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29, 4.42), but not Bronx and San Diego, had higher odds of metabolic syndrome, while youth in Miami had lower odds of this syndrome (OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.85).

Conclusion

We found differences across US urban areas in metabolic syndrome in Hispanic/Latino youth. Although behavioural and environmental characteristics partially explained these differences, future research is needed to understand persistent differences.