Citation: Shin S. Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Saudi Arabia: Meta-Analysis of Cross-section Studies. Ann Med Health Sci Res. 2020;10:1148-1152.

This open-access article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (CC BY-NC) (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits reuse, distribution and reproduction of the article, provided that the original work is properly cited and the reuse is restricted to noncommercial purposes. For commercial reuse, contact reprints@pulsus.com

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of health problem that lead to health condition. An individual with metabolic syndrome may higher risk of cardiovascular or neurological disorder. The aim of this study was review and provides the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Saudi Arabia. Literature searches were performed on PubMed, Google scholar, and Web of Science Core Collection for English language articles for population-based of national studies. The following search terms were used during search; “prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Saudi Arabia,” “metabolic syndrome in Saudi Arabia.” Nineteen studies were selected for final review out of 50 studies. The weighted pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 30.0% with high heterogeneity (I2=99.22%; Cochran Q-test p<0.001). The result showed comparatively high and rising rate of metabolic syndrome in Saudi Arabia. Preventative strategy should be considered to reduce the risk of morbidity or mortality related to metabolic syndrome.

Keywords

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome; Meta-analysis; Saudi Arabia

Introduction

The metabolic syndrome is common metabolic disorders that result from changing lifestyle and increasing obesity. Various metabolic factors involve in development of cardiovascular disease, such as type 2 diabetes (insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, impaired glucose tolerance, or impaired fasting glycaemia), central obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. [1] These conditions co-occur in an individual more often than might be expected by chance. When grouped together, they are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. [2] There are four most used definitions of metabolic syndrome including World Health Organization (WHO), European Group for Study of Insulin Resistance, National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III), and International Diabetes Foundation (IDF). The components of theses definitions relatively are the same, and generally include Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG), Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT), HOMA-IR, obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension (WHO criteria), waist circumference, blood pressure. Fasting triglyceride, fasting high density lipoprotein (HDL), Fasting Blood Glucose (FBS) (NCEP ATP III criteria). [3]

The prevalence of Mets in the Saudi Arabia and other Middle East countries range from 18% to 40% depending on the definition used, studied population and another sociodemographic characteristic. [4-12] In Saudi Arabia, economic and social transformations have brought about a change in a sedentary lifestyle resulting in increasing prevalence of obesity and an estimate expected rise of Mets. There are serious implications of this trend on morbidity, mortality, and health services expenditure. This study is the first to provide a Meta-Analysis of the overall prevalence of the Mets in the Saudi Arabia. Providing evidence-based prevalence rate could provide fundamental foundation to provide scientifically supportive evidence for metabolic syndrome prevention campaign.

Literature Review

This study is a systemic review and accompanied by metaanalysis according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis protocol). [13,14]

Data sources and search phrases

Electronic literature searches of PubMed database, Google Scholar, and Web of Science collection and analysis were conducted for English-language articles without time filtering and for the population-based or national studies on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Saudi Arabia. Following search terms were used simultaneously to find articles in the databases: “prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Saudi Arabia” and “Metabolic syndrome in Saudi Arabia”.

Study selection procedure

Selected articles were considered for inclusion if they reported data from an original study and reported on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Review articles were excluded. This study used broad inclusion criteria to provide comprehensive systemic reviews of the topic. There were no restrictions on study type of study which included cohort study and crosssectional study, geographic region (urban, rural) or age range. Studies that reported the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the general population were also included. Studies which reported on specific clinical population that included individuals with diabetes, hypertension, acute coronary syndrome, or ovary syndrome were excluded. In addition, studies that did not report on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and review papers for prevalence of metabolic syndrome were also excluded. During the final stage of the inclusion and exclusion process, initially selected articles were screened and reviewed based on the full text.

Data extraction

The following were extracted from each study: information on the authors, year of publication, country of origin, sample size, gender and age of the subjects, and study design (case-control, cross-sectional or prospective cohort), Metabolic syndrome identification criteria, prevalence of metabolic syndrome, adjustment variables. Regarding considerable expected heterogeneity, random-effect model was applied for the analysis of data. In addition, Cochran Q-test was used to assess the heterogeneity among the studies.

Data synthesis and statistical analysis

Management and edition of data, estimation of standard error, and calculation of the pooled mean effect size were estimated using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (CMA) Version 2.0 (Biostat, Englewood, NJ, USA). Pooled estimate of prevalence was determined by the definition of metabolic syndrome (ATP III, IDF). Finally, fixed effects and random effects meta-analysis were calculated to obtain the weighted average prevalence with 95% CI (confidence interval) for the selected studies.

Results

Electronic search retrieved 50 papers on the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Saudi Arabia. After removing duplicates, reviewing title and abstracts, 22 articles remained for full text screening; main reason for exclusion was irrelevance with study objective. Of the 22 articles screened (titles and abstracts), 8 were excluded for the following reason: 7 were conducted on subject with diseases. 2 diabetic patients, 2 polycystic ovary syndrome, 1 kidney disease, 1 overweight subject and 1 chronic disease. Therefore 14 studies were finally selected for the present systematic review. The selection processes for the articles are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis protocol) diagram for the metabolic syndrome prevalence rate in Saudi Arabia.

Within 14 articles, 19 different studies were identified and include for the review. Among 19 studies, 4 were published before 2009 and 14 were published in the years 2011 or later. Different criteria were used to diagnose the metabolic syndrome. Nine studies used the criteria proposed by the NCEP ATP III for diagnosing the metabolic syndrome. Nine studies used the criteria and the IDF and one study used the criteria by both NCEP ATP III and IDF [Table 1]. [15-28] The metabolic syndrome prevalence rate is also shown as a forest plot for in Figure 2.

Table 1: Characteristics of reviewed studies.

Figure 2: Forest plot for the metabolic syndrome prevalence rate of Saudi Arabia.

Table 2 shows pooled estimates for the prevalence rate of the metabolic syndrome. Fixed and random, Heterogeneity in the prevalence of Metabolic syndrome (I2=99.22%; Cochran Q-test p<0.001). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome Rate was 0.30 (95% CI, 0.25-0.37).

Table 2: Overall pooled estimation of the metabolic syndrome prevalence rate.

Moreover, the pooled prevalence rate of the metabolic syndrome was estimated for the subgroups of studies [Table 3].

Table 3: Summary of the main result reviewed article.

The random pooled sample of the studies reported before 2013 and after 2014 showed the metabolic syndrome prevalence of 0.28 (95% CI, 0.17-0.27) and 0.39 (95% CI, 0.31-0.48), respectively. Nine studies used the ATP III definition and the prevalence rate in the random pooled estimate was 0.26 (95% CI, 0.20-0.33). Nine studies used the IDF definition and prevalence rate in the random pooled estimate was 0.33 (95% CI, 0.23- 0.46). One study used ATP III and IDF both and the prevalence rate in random pooled estimate was 0.40 (95% CI, 0.35-0.46).

Discussion

This study was conducted to observe the prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome in Saudi Arabia. in this meta-analysis review 19 studies and 37,745 subjects were analyzed for the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Overall, the pooled estimate of the metabolic syndrome prevalence rate in Saudi Arabia 0.30 (95% CI, 0.25-0.37) such metabolic syndrome prevalence rate in Saudi Arabia was greater than that of the other regions such as Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. For example, a systematic review of the countries in the Latin America region showed the metabolic syndrome prevalence rate of 24.9% with the ATP III’s the metabolic syndrome definition. [29] A combined prospective cohort study on the prevalence rate of the metabolic syndrome reports of 15.0% in Europe with WHO’s metabolic syndrome definition. [30]

The prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome in the Sub-Saharan African region range from 0% to 7.3% [31] with modified WHO, ATP III and IDF definition of metabolic syndrome. A systematic review that reported the prevalence rate in the Asia-pacific region was 11.9% and 49.0% according to the definition by ATP III and modified ATP III, respectively. [32] On other hand, the prevalence rates reported by national survey in the Unites States were 35% and 39% according to the definitions by the ATP III and IDF, respectively. [33] Therefore, the prevalence rate for the metabolic syndrome was high in comparison to some for the regions such as Africa or Asia while still lower than the region such as the United States [34].

Conclusion

Over the few decades, may of the City of Saudi Arabia have experienced rapid wealth and corresponding urbanization. Such changes have led to a sedentary lifestyle by the general population due to rapid increase in the usage of motored vehicles for commuting. In addition, the working environment and facilities have changed to promote reduction in physical activity. The dietary patterns also changed in association with the environmental changes to promote inactivity and corresponding adult-onset diseases.

Competing Interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

REFERENCES

1. International diabetes federation. The IDF consensus worldwide definition of the metabolic syndrome.
2. Mente A, Yusuf S, Islam S, McQueen MJ, Tanomsup S, Onen CL, et al. Metabolic syndrome and risk of acute myocardial infarction a case-control study of 26,903 subjects from 52 countries. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2010;55:2390-2398.
3. Huang PL. A comprehensive definition for metabolic syndrome. Dis Model Mech. 2009;2:231-237.
4. Al-Nozha M, Al-Khadra A, Arafah MR, Al-Maatouq MA, Khalil MZ, Khan NB, et al. Metabolic syndrome in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Med J. 2005;26:1918-1925.
5. Al-Daghri NM. Extremely high prevalence of metabolic syndrome manifestations among Arab youth: a call for early intervention. Eur J Clin Invest. 2010;40:1063-1066.
6. Harzallah F, Alberti H, Ben Khalifa F. The metabolic syndrome in an Arab population: a first look at the new International Diabetes Federation criteria. Diabet Med. 2006;23:441-444.
7. Al-Shaibani H, El-Batish M, Sorkhou I, Al-Shamali N, Al-Namash H, Habiba S, et al. Prevalence of insulin resistance syndrome in a primary health care center in Kuwait. Fam Med. 2004;36:540.
8. Rguibi M, Belahsen R. Metabolic syndrome among Moroccan Sahraoui adult Women. Am J Hum Biol. 2004;16:598-601.
9. Khader Y, Bateiha A, El-Khateeb M, Al-Shaikh A, Ajlouni K. High prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among Northern Jordanians. J Diabetes Complications. 2007;21:214-219.
10. Kozan O, Oguz A, Abaci A, Erol C, Ongen Z, Temizhan A, et al. Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among Turkish adults. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007;61:548-553.
11. Malik M, Razig SA. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among the multiethnic population of the United Arab Emirates: a report of a national survey. Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2008;6:177-186.
12. Dalvand S, Niksima SH, Meshkani R, Gheshlagh RG, Sadegh-Nejadi S, Kooti W, et al. Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Iranian Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Iran J Public Health. 2017;46:456-467.
13. Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG, Prisma Group. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. Int J Surg. 2010;8:336-341.
14. Shamseer L, Moher D, Clarke M, Ghersi D, Liberati A, Petticrew M, et al. Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015: elaboration and explanation. BMJ. 2015;350:g7647.
15. Al-Qahtani DA, Imtiaz ML. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Saudi adult soldiers. Saudi Med J. 2005;26:1360.
16. Al-Qahtani DA, Imtiaz ML, Saad OS, Hussein NM. AComparison of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Saudi adult females using two definitions. Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2006;4:204-214.
17. Taha D, Ahmed O, Sadiq Bb. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors in a group of obese Saudi children and adolescents: a hospital-based study. Annals of Saudi Med. 2009;29:357-360.
18. Barrimah I, Al Muhaimeed A-R, Al Shobaily H, Midhet F. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Qassim University personnel in Saudi Arabia. Int J Health Sci. 2011;5:49.
19. Alzahrani AM, Karawagh AM, Alshahrani FM, Naser TA, Ahmed AA, Alsharef EH. Prevalence and predictors of metabolic syndrome among healthy Saudi Adults. Br J Diabetes Vasc. 2012;12:78-80.
20. Al-Daghri NM, Khan N, Alkharfy KM, Al-Attas OS, Alokail MS, Alfawaz HA, et al. Selected dietary nutrients and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in adult males and females in Saudi Arabia: a pilot study. Nutrients. 2013;5:4587-4604.
21. Bahijri SM, Al Raddadi RM, Jambi H, Alaama M-NA, Ferns G. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in an apparently healthy, normotensive and non-diabetic population in Saudi Arabia by two definitions: implications for local practice. 2013.
22. Khaled Alswat MB, Alnemar AK, Alghamdi I, Al-thomali B, Mahfouz T, Althobaiti SM, et al. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in hospitalized patients with psychiatric illness in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. Endocrine Practice. 2016;22:118.
23. Al Mansour MA, Abdalla SM, Mohamed EY, Mahmoud WS, Alzahrani MK, Medani KE, et al. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in Primary Health Care Centers' Attendants in Majmaah, Saudi Arabia. Majmaah J Heal Sci. 2016;216:1-11.
24. Fallatae E, Alhabbad A, Alassiryg MZ. Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and its Components Among Patients with Various Psychiatric Diagnoses and Treatments: A Cross-Sectional Study. 2016.
25. Al-Rubeaan K, Bawazeer N, Al Farsi Y, Youssef AM, Al-Yahya AA, AlQumaidi H, et al. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Saudi Arabia-a cross sectional study. BMC endocrine disorders. 2018;18:16.
26. Aljabri K. Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Saudi Population. Archives of Diabetes & Obesity. 2018;1.
27. Bayameen M, Al-Raddadi M, Hassan A, Banamah O, Mohammed M. Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Primary Health Care Attendees in King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital in Jeddah. Arch Med. 2018;10:9.
28. Saeed AA. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components among Saudi young adults 18-30 years of age. Open J Endocr Metab Dis. 2019;9:49-59.
29. Marquez-Sandoval F, Macedo-Ojeda G, Viramontes-Horner D, Fernandez Ballart JD, Salas Salvado J, Vizmanos B. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Latin America: a systematic review. Public Health Nutr. 2011;14:1702-1713.
30. Hu G, Qiao Q, Tuomilehto J, Balkau B, Borch-Johnsen K, Pyorala K. Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its relation to all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in nondiabetic European men and women. Arch Intern Med. 2004;164:1066-1076.
31. Fezeu L, Balkau B, Kengne AP, Sobngwi E, Mbanya JC. Metabolic syndrome in a sub-Saharan African setting: central obesity may be the key determinant. Atherosclerosis. 2007;193:70-76.
32. Ranasinghe P, Mathangasinghe Y, Jayawardena R, Hills AP, Misra A. Prevalence and trends of metabolic syndrome among adults in the asia-pacific region: a systematic review. BMC Public Health. 2017;17:101.
33. Ford ES. Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome defined by the International Diabetes Federation among adults in the U.S. Diabetes Care. 2005;28:2745-2749.
34. Alzeidan RA, Rabiee F, Mandil AA, Hersi AS, Ullah AA. Changes in dietary habits, physical activity and status of metabolic syndrome among expatriates in Saudi Arabia. East Mediterr Health J. 2018;23:836-844.