EVALUATION OF ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS AS RISK FACTOR OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AMONG STUDENTS OF PHYSIOLOGY DEPARTMENT, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

ABSTRACT

This research was aimed at evaluating anthropometric measurements as risk factors for metabolic syndrome among physiology students at the University of Benin. 50 young undergraduate physiology students comprising 20 males and 30 females within the age range of 16years to 26 years were studied. Questionnaires including demographic information and medical history were filled out, anthropometric measurements were taken with standard methods and Anthropometric indices calculated. Our results showed that 84% had normal Body Mass Index and 16% are at risk of metabolic syndrome, 92% had normal waist circumference and 8% are at risk of metabolic syndrome in relation to waist circumference; 88% had a normal waist-to-height ratio and 12% are at risk of metabolic syndrome in relation to waistto-height ratio. Family history of diabetes showed a significant association with body mass index (p=0.0006; RR=0.1754) as risk factors of metabolic syndrome. High blood pressure showed a significant association with waist-to-height ratio (p=0.0457; RR=0.2093). However, family history of metabolic syndrome showed no significant association with waist circumference (p=0.6404) and body mass index (p=0.6404; RR=0.3000). Anthropometric measurements serve as valuable classical indicators of metabolic syndrome risk.