190440 Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and other CVD risk factors in rural versus urban regions of Ecuador

Monday, October 27, 2008

Lindsay LaCorte, BS , College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL
Roger Alvarez, MS , College of Osteopathic Medicine, Public Health Program, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Alberto J. Caban-Martinez, MPH , Department of Osteopathic Principles & Practice and College of Health Sciences, Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine & Walden University, Coral Gables, FL
Evelyn P. Davila, MPH , Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
Objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), and one of its risk factors, diabetes, remain the two most common causes of mortality in Ecuador. However, less is known about other CVD risk factors such as the metabolic syndrome, particularly in rural communities. The present study compared the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and other CVD risk factors among individuals living in urban and rural regions of Ecuador.

Methods: Participants of a March 2008 medical mission to three rural and urban areas of Ecuador were invited to participate in this assessment for metabolic syndrome. Consenting adults (age 18 years and older) were measured for height, weight, central waist circumference, serum glucose and blood pressure. Descriptive statistics of participants are tabulated and presented by gender, age, and rural and urban setting and compared.

Results: Among the 242 participants, 74.8% are females and 25.2% are males whose age ranged from 18 to 87 years old with a mean age of 42.5±16.9 (±Standard Deviation). Overall body mass index was 25.7±8.1, height 60.1±4.3 inches, weight 130.7±26.7 pounds and waist circumference of 26.2±10.8 inches. 6.2% of the entire study population, 20% males and 80% females met the study definition of metabolic syndrome by waist circumference, blood pressure, and serum glucose levels. 73.3% of individuals meeting the metabolic syndrome definition reside in rural regions of Ecuador while 26.6% live in urban areas.

Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight individuals and those meeting one or more components of the metabolic syndrome definition is pervasive. CVD prevention/intervention programs are highly warranted.

Learning Objectives:
1. Assess the overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome among rural versus urban regions of Ecuador. 2. Identify gender based differences of overweight and metabolic syndrome among rural versus urban regions of Ecuador. 3. Discuss the need for counseling and field interventions among rural and urban areas with increased prevalence of overweight and metabolic syndrome.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a current Osteopathic Medical Student in the College of Osteopathic Medicine as well as a Masters in Public Health student in the Department of Public Health at Nova Southeastern University. I completed my B.S. in Biochemistry at the University of California at Santa Barbara in 2003. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: 2006 – 2007 Clinical Research Coordinator, Cancer Center of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 2004 – 2006 Medical Assistant, Department of Urology, Sansum-SBMF Clinic, Santa Barbara, California 2003 – 2003 Laboratory Technician, Stucky Group, Department of Chemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 2002 – 2002 Laboratory Assistant, Strouse Group, Department of Chemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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