Objective: There is a paucity of data on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and diabetes in different occupational categories in India. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated cardiovascular risk factors among police personnel and compare with the general population (GP).
Methods: Two populations similar in demography were selected for this study. A total of 719 men aged > or = 30 years from Chennai, were randomly selected (police n = 318, GP n = 401). Fasting blood samples were collected, glucose and lipid profile were estimated. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was determined using IDF definition. Risk associations for metabolic syndrome and diabetes were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analyses.
Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (57.3 vs 28.2%; chi2 = 64.5, p < 0.0001) was significantly higher among police compared to GP. Regression analyses showed that age, body mass index, alcohol consumption and smoking were associated with metabolic syndrome while age, family history of diabetes, abdominal adiposity and increased body mass index were associated with diabetes among the policemen. The police had higher prevalence of individual cardio metabolic abnormalities and diabetes in comparison with GP (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and other cardiometabolic abnormalities were significantly higher among the police. Further research is required to determine the causative factors and effective intervention strategies must be planned to keep the police force healthy and vigilant.