The Burden and Correlates of Metabolic Syndrome in Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia
PI, USask International Office, 2019-2021.
Developing countries such as Ethiopia are experiencing a demographic shift. The population of Ethiopia is aging and living longer, resulting in an increase in chronic diseases (non-communicable diseases [NCDs]) such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, along with its associated risk factors (e.g. hypertension, metabolic syndrome [MeS]). Although NCDs have been recognized as a serious problem in Ethiopia, beyond hospital data, limited information exists on the prevalence of these conditions or their risk factors. Metabolic syndrome, specifically, is a risk factor for multiple NCDs and is often referred to as pre-diabetes. In collaboration with Adigrat University and local community health care posts, the purpose of this project is to determine the number of individuals aged 40y and older, who have metabolic syndrome in both urban and rural communities. We will conduct a screen in several Ethiopian communities for metabolic syndrome risk factors which include measures of anthropometry, hypertension, blood lipids (HDL, LDL, triglycerides), and glucose.