Metabolic syndrome and impaired health-related quality of life and in non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Blacks and Mexican-American Adults

ObjectiveWe examined the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and Mexican-Americans (MA).MethodsData (n = 5170) from 2009–2010 NHANES were used. Subjects perceived poor overall health (POH), poor physical health (PPH), and poor mental health (PMH) status in the past 30 days were used as indices of impaired HRQoL. Race/ethnic-specific associations between MetS and indices of HRQoL were determined using prevalence odds ratios (POR) from logistic regression models. Statistical adjustments were made for age, sex, education, marital status, income and smoking.ResultsRates of POH, PPH and PMH in the past 30 days increased linearly with increased number of components of MetS in NHW, NHB and MA. MetS was associated with increased odds of PPH in NHW (POR = 2.34; 95% CI = 1.73–3.17) and MA (POR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.09–2.50); increased odds of PPH in NHW (POR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.18–2.31), NHB (POR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.01–3.35), and MA (POR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.09–2.83); and increased odds of PMH in NHW (POR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.08–2.08), NHB (POR = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.29–4.01), and MA (POR = 1.44; 95% CI = 0.80–2.59). Upon adjustment for other independent variables, smoking and lack of education were found associated with increased odds of impaired HRQoL.ConclusionsMetS is associated with POH, PPH, and PMH in American adults. From clinical standpoint, this study further suggests that HRQoL should be considered in the management of subjects with MetS. Robust public health programs designed to reduce the prevalence of MetS may help in reducing impaired HRQoL, including POH, PPH, and PMH in American adults who have MetS.