Prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome in users of primary healthcare units in São Paulo – SP, Brazil *

SummaryObjectiveTo determine the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MS) and socioeconomic level, life style, health status, family history of morbidity, and residence areas.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional cohort study. The random sample consisted of users of two primary healthcare units (Unidades Básicas de Saúde - UBSs) in the city of São Paulo — Jardim Comercial (UBS1), and Jardim Germânia (UBS2), a total of 452 subjects. The NCEP ATP III criterion was used to diagnose MS. Weight, height, abdominal and hip circumferences were measured for the anthropometric evaluation. A general questionnaire was used to obtain sociodemographic and socioeconomic data; family history; medical history; behavioral habits such as smoking, drinking, and physical activity. Multivariate logistic regression was used to establish the association between explanatory variables of interest and MS.ResultsAt UBS1, MS percentage was 56.1%; at UBS2, 34.0%. There was a direct and significant association between MS and age, female gender, race, smoking, drinking, physical activity level, stress, and family history of heart disease and diabetes mellitus. Education level showed an inverse association. Subjects living in a lower socioeconomic level neighborhood had a higher MS risk.ConclusionThe results suggest that the morbidities that compose MS are a serious public health problem in that population.