Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Urban Adults: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study from Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS), a constellation of central adiposity, dysglycaemia, atherogenic dyslipidaemia, and elevated blood pressure, is rising rapidly across sub-Saharan Africa as urbanization, dietary transition, and sedentary lifestyles transform population health. Reliable community-based prevalence estimates are essential to inform non-communicable disease screening and prevention policy in Nigeria. The present study estimated the prevalence and determinants of MetS among urban adults in a Nigerian community. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted over twelve months among 400 adults aged ≥18 years selected through multistage cluster sampling from an urban local government area. Data on sociodemographics, lifestyle, anthropometry, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and lipid profile were obtained. MetS was defined using the 2009 Harmonized (Joint Interim Statement) criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26; binary logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean age was 42.6±13.8 years; 232 (58.0%) were female. The overall prevalence of MetS was 25.5% (95% CI 21.4–30.0). Prevalence was significantly higher among females (31.5%) than males (17.3%) (p=0.001) and increased with age, from 11.1% in those aged 18–29 years to 40.0% in those ≥60 years (p<0.001). Central obesity (44.5%) and elevated blood pressure (39.0%) were the most frequent components. On multivariable analysis, female sex (aOR 2.18, 95% CI 1.32–3.61; p=0.002), age ≥45 years (aOR 2.65, 1.56–4.51; p<0.001), family history of diabetes (aOR 1.92, 1.18–3.13; p=0.009), and physical inactivity (aOR 1.74, 1.07–2.83; p=0.025) were independently associated with MetS. Conclusion: One in four urban Nigerian adults has the metabolic syndrome, with women and older individuals disproportionately affected. Community-level cardiometabolic screening, lifestyle interventions, and integration of MetS detection into routine primary care are urgently warranted.