The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Related Factors among Adults in Palestine A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS)is increasinglybecoming a challenging public health issue in Palestine. Thecurrent burden of MetS in the country is unknown. There has beenlimited research on the prevalence of MetS. This meta-analysis isthe first to estimate the population prevalence of MetS and itsrelated factors among adults in Palestine.METHODS: A PRISMA systematic search appraisal and meta-analysis were conducted. A systematic literature search of PubMed,Scopus and Google Scholar was conducted in December 2014 up toFebruary 2015. Generic, methodological and statistical data wasextracted from the eligible studies which reported MetS prevalence.A random effect meta-analysis was conducted on crude MetSprevalence rates. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran’s Q andI 2 tests. Subgroup analyses were also performed according to thepredefined criteria.RESULTS: The literature search yielded a total of 49 studies. Eightpapers were included in the final analysis with sample size ranging163 to 992. In addition, 2937 cases with MetS among people aged15 years or more were estimated in Palestine between 2001 and2014. There was high heterogeneity among studies (I 2 = 95.8%p<0.001). The prevalence of MetS was 37.0% among adultPalestinians population ranging from 17 to 59.5%. Subgroupanalysis did not show source of heterogeneity based on subject'shealth status and MetS criteria.CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis clearly demonstrates that MetSis highly prevalent (37.0%) among Palestinian adults. The highprevalence of MetS in Palestine should be seriously considered andplanners should take steps to reduce it.