Prevalence and Association of Components of Metabolic Syndrome and Uric Acid among Commercial Drivers in South-West Nigeria.

Ajayi, David D.; Raimi, Taiwo H.; Dada, Samuel A.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex cluster of metabolic abnormalities characterized by central obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and impaired glucose metabolism. Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between uric acid levels and MetS, and commercial drivers are exposed to unique occupational hazards that may predispose them to MetS and hyperuricemia. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of MetS and its relationship with serum uric acid among commercial drivers in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among commercial drivers in Ado-Ekiti. Relevant information was obtained with a questionnaire, and anthropometry and blood pressure were measured. Fasting plasma glucose and lipid profiles were determined by the standard protocol. MetS was determined with the harmonized criteria. Bivariate correlation and Chi-square were used to determine the relationship between serum uric acid and MetS and its components. Results: There were 106 participants with a median age (interquartile range) of 50 (11) years, with no difference between those with or without MetS. More than 70% of the participants drank alcohol and 75 (70.8%) participants had hyperuricemia. There was no significant correlation between serum uric acid and components of MetS. The prevalence of MetS among all the participants was 21.7% (23/106), with no difference among men with normal uric acid (25.8%) and those with elevated uric acid (20.0%), P = 0.509. Similarly, there was no statistical difference in the prevalence of the components of MetS between the two groups. Conclusions: The prevalence of MetS among the commercial drivers was high, with no difference among men with or without hyperuricemia. Given the importance of this group of people, a system-level public health approach should be adopted to promote a healthy lifestyle to save the lives of the populace.

NIGERIA; URIC acid; BLOOD sugar; OCCUPATIONAL hazards; METABOLIC syndrome; BLOOD lipids

Annals of African Medicine, 2025, Vol 24, Issue 1, p152

1596-3519

Academic Journal

10.4103/aam.aam_70_24