Metabolic syndrome and associated factors among females of reproductive age in Wakiso district, central Uganda: A cross sectional study

AbstractBackground The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in sub-Saharan African countries including Uganda is on the rise. Females of reproductive age (15–49 years) are more affected by MetS than males leading to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. This study assessed the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and associated factors among females of reproductive age in Wakiso district, central Uganda to inform policy. Methods We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study among 697 women of reproductive age in Wakiso district, using multistage sampling method. In the first stage, 32 clusters/enumeration areas were randomly selected from a list of all Uganda National Bureau of Statistics enumeration areas in Wakiso district. In the second stage, 25 households were randomly selected from each cluster, totaling 800 households. In the third stage, one female respondent aged between 15–49 years was selected from each household. Quantitative data were collected on socio-demographic factors, behavioral risk factors, and physical (blood pressure, waist circumference, height and weight) and biochemical (High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose levels) measures using a structured questionnaire. MetS was defined by the Joint Interim Statement criterion. Modified Poisson regression with robust standard error estimates was fitted to obtain crude and adjusted prevalence ratios associated with the presence of MetS. All results were weighted based on sampling probabilities. Results The overall prevalence of MetS was (17.8%: 95% CI 13.2–23.6). The risk factors significantly associated with MetS included being overweight (APR: 3.21, 95% CI 1.88–5.45, p = < 0.001), obesity (APR: 5.33, 95% CI 3.35–9.12, p = < 0.001) and breastfeeding of most recent baby (APR: 0.55, 95% CI 0.37–0.82, p = 0.002). Conclusions Nearly one in five women of reproductive age in Wakiso district are affected by Metabolic Syndrome. Overweight and obese women were more likely to have Metabolic Syndrome. Breastfeeding offered protection against Metabolic Syndrome. Our findings suggest the need to promote breastfeeding and appropriate interventions towards reduction and management of overweight and obesity amongst reproductive age women in the communities. Interventions incorporating physical activity, nutrition education, counselling, and preventive screenings may have potential to effectively reduce weight and obesity. Further research should be undertaken to elucidate the best strategies towards reducing and managing overweight and obesity among women in the study settings.