Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in University Students in Korea

This study was carried out to identify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its associated factors in Korean university students. Data from a convenience sample of 151 students from 2 universities were available for this study. Subjects completed a self-reported questionnaire that included questions on lifestyle and sociodemographics. Blood pressure; fasting glucose level; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride level; and anthropometric variables such as height, weight, and waist circumference were measured. Descriptive statistics were generated and logistic regression was applied to assess potential risk factors, while adjusting for potential confounding. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 4%, on the basis of the modified National Cholesterol Education Program-Third Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP III) guidelines. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that male sex, poor sleep quality, and obesity were significantly associated with meeting 1 or more of the metabolic syndrome criteria. These findings suggest that sleep quality and obesity should be carefully assessed and treated in the management of metabolic syndrome risk.