Hiding in plain sight: a cross-sectional study of metabolic syndrome and lifestyle risk factors in community rehabilitation
Casey Peiris1,2, Katherine Harding1,3, Judi Porter4, Nora Shields1, Chris Gilfillan3, Nicholas Taylor1,3 1La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia2The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia3Eastern Health, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia4Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
Abstract
Background: Metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors that commonly occur together to increase the risk of chronic disease. Allied health professionals are critical in its management but may be unaware of its presence. This study aimed to determine the point prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients attending outpatient community rehabilitation and to compare health literacy, physical activity, and dietary intake of people with and without metabolic syndrome.
Method: A multi-centre cross-sectional study of adults (n=193) presenting for allied health therapy for the management of various sub-acute health conditions. The presence of metabolic syndrome was assessed according to the International Diabetes Federation joint consensus definition. Health literacy was assessed using the S-TOFHLA, physical activity was assessed using accelerometers and dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire.
Results: Almost two-thirds of participants (n=123) had metabolic syndrome but only 3 had been previously diagnosed. Many of those identified were also unaware they had hypertension (42%), high triglycerides (36%) or elevated blood glucose levels (67%). People with metabolic syndrome had lower health literacy (S-TOFHLA MD -1.94, 95% CI -3.66 to -0.22), took 1,166 (95% CI 232 to 2100) fewer daily steps and had inadequate moderation of energy intake when compared to those without metabolic syndrome.
Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is a prevalent and under-recognised condition in people accessing community rehabilitation. Allied health professionals may need to consider a broader approach to management including screening, lifestyle assessment and intervention given the high levels of metabolic syndrome in this population.
Biography
Dr Casey Peiris is an associate professor who holds a joint position between La Trobe University and the Royal Melbourne Hospital as the Head of Allied Health Research. She completed her PhD in 2013 and has since published more than 60 research papers related to physiotherapy, physical activity, chronic disease and rehabilitation and has an h-index of 17. As a clinician, she worked with clients with chronic disease, and now her academic expertise is also in chronic disease management.