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KMID : 1138720130390010001
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Korean Public Health Research
2013 Volume.39 No. 1 p.1 ~ p.11
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Regional Convergence in the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Korea
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Ahn Byung-Chul
Hong Eun-Ju
Joung Hyo-Jee
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Abstract
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Objectives: Regional disparities in health have became hot issues in national health. This study was to examine trends of metabolic syndrome and evaluate whether the prevalence gaps across region converge in Korea. Methods: We analyzed data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES 1998-2010). Samples were consisted of 41,727 subjects aged over 19 years with anthropometric information and health examination. Metabolic syndrome was defined by NCEP Adult Treatment Panel III criteria except central obesity which was diagnosed according to Asian-Pacific criteria. All prevalence rates were calculated as weighted average across regions. Changes in regional prevalence between periods were tested by t-test. Convergence in regional prevalence rates were examined using regression analysis. Results: The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased from 22.7% in 1998-2001 to 25.9% in 2010. In 1998-2001, Jeonnam recorded the highest prevalence of 33.3% whereas Busan displayed the lowest of 16.5%. In 2008-2010, prevalence was 32.7% for Chungnam and 23.9% for Seoul and Gyunggi. In general, regions which recorded lower prevalence in the reference period (1998-2001) tended to show faster growth over the last decade than other regions indicating the existence of convergence effects. Conclusion: Regional convergence of metabolic risks does not deny the existence of within-region health disparities. In battling health risks and lessening health disparities, it is necessary to develop effective intervention policies which should reflect regional characteristics.
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KEYWORD
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metabolic syndrome, health disparity, convergence, region, KNHANES
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