Metabolic syndrome among Emirati adolescents: a school-based study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Population-based data on metabolic syndrome (MetS) among children is lacking in the United Arab Emirates which has among the highest rates of diabetes in the world. In this study we determined the prevalence of MetS and its correlates in a sample of adolescents.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted on 1,018 adolescents (48.4% girls) aged 12-18 years from Al Ain Abu Dhabi Emirates. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic characteristics, physical activity and dietary habits. Blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, fasting glucose, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were measured. MetS was defined using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria.

Results

The prevalence of

SUBMITTER: Mehairi AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3572014 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature