Background: The prevalence of Metabolic syndrome in childhood has been raised in 4 the last few years with serious medical and public health problem. However, very few 5 previous studies have described its status in Egyptian children and adolescents. This 6 study aimed at assessment of the prevalence and risk factors of Metabolic syndrome 7 among children and adolescents in Benha city. Methods: This cross-sectional study 8 included 910 participants from Benha city aged from 6 to 18 years. Anthropometric 9 measurements; height, weight, BMI and WC and blood tests were conducted to assess 10 components of metabolic syndrome defined according to the International Diabetes 11 Federation criteria. Suitable statistical tests were adopted to define possible associations 12 between Metabolic syndrome and other factors. Results: the mean age was 11.6 ± 3.4 13 years, 53% of subjects were males. 60% of subjects came from urban regions. The 14 prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 5% (49 out of 910 subjects). There was 15 insignificant difference in MetS prevalence between males and females p= 0.55. Low 16 HDL-C (24%) and central obesity (17.7%), were the most prevalent components. while 17 10% had high BP, 10% had high TG and 9% had elevated FG. Females had higher 18 frequency of central obesity than males (57%) vs. (43%), while males had significant 19 higher frequency of Low HDL-C (65%) vs. (35%). Urban dwellers had higher rates of 20 central obesity, high TG and elevated FG. Conclusion: The prevalence of metabolic 21 syndrome (according to the definition of International Diabetes Federation) among 22 children and adolescents living in Benha city, Egypt was 5%. |
