Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #105549

Ana C. Santos, Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University Porto Medical School, University of Porto, Al Prof. Hernani Monteiro 4200-319, Porto, Portugal, +351 225507597, acsantos@med.up.pt and Henrique Barros, MD, PhD, Epidemiology, University of Porto Medical School, Al Prof Hernani Monteiro, Porto, 4200, Portugal.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of behavioral and lifestyles factors in metabolic syndrome (MS), an increasingly public health threat. Methods: Non-institutionalized urban adults were selected using random digit dialing. Information on 2163 participants (1331 women and 832 men) was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Data on social, demographic, personal and family clinical past, and behavioral characteristics (alcohol consumption, smoking status) were self-reported. Physical activity was evaluated using a questionnaire exploring professional, domestic and leisure activities, detailing for the intensity, duration and frequency. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the ATPIII. Proportions were compared using the &chi2 test or Fisher's Exact test. Magnitude of associations assessed by odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were computed using unconditional logistic regression. Results: The overall prevalence of MS was 20.1%. Participants in the upper third of physical activity had a significant lower prevalence of MS, compared to those in the lower third of physical activity. After adjustment for age, education, alcohol consumption and smoking, higher physical activity levels were significantly associated with lower prevalence of MS in both genders (OR=0.64 95% CI%: 0.42-0.90 - females and OR=0.45 95%CI: 0.27-0.73 - males). No significant association was found between MS and smoking. When compared to non-drinkers, those who consumed more than 30g ethanol/day more frequently presented MS (OR=1.64 95% CI%: 0.89-3.03 - females and OR=2.00 95%CI: 1.04-3.86 - males). Conclusion: The global promotion of healthy life styles is expected to prevent a MS occurrence.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Recognize the worldwide quantitative importance of metabolic syndrome.
• Prioritize the impact of behavioral choices in metabolic syndrome occurrence.
• Discuss the contribution of physical activity as part of a global plan to decrease metabolic syndrome.

Keywords: Physical Activity, Behavioral Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation