Abstract:
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasingly becoming the global cause of premature death
encompassing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer, respiratory diseases and diabetes mellitus.
However, cardiometabolic risk factors in the general population, especially among the high-risk
groups have rarely been assessed in Ethiopia. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of metabolic
syndrome, its components and associated factors among staff in the Ethiopian Public Health Institute
(EPHI). An institutional-based cross-section study was conducted from March to June 2018 among
EPHI staff members. A total of 450 study participants were involved in the study, and the World Health
Organization NCD STEPS survey instrument version 3.1 was used for the assessment. The biochemical
parameters were analyzed by using COBAS 6000 analyzer. Statistical package for the social science
(SPSS) version 20 was used for data analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression
analyses were used to identify associated risk factors. p value < 0.05 was considered for statistical
significance. The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 27.6% and 16.7% according to IDF
and NCEP criteria respectively, with males having greater prevalence than females (35.8% vs 19.4%).
Central obesity, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and hypertension had a prevalence of 80.2%,
41.3%, and 23.6%, respectively. In multivariate analysis increasing age and having a higher body mass
index (25–29.9) were significantly associated with metabolic syndromes. The magnitude of metabolic
syndrome was relatively high among public employees. Preventive intervention measures should be
designed on the modification of lifestyle, nutrition and physical activities, and early screening for early
identification of cardiometabolic risks factors should be practised to reduce the risk of developing
cardiovascular diseases.
