Objective: To estimate the metabolic syndrome (MS) prevalence and its associated factors in rural communities of Minas Gerais State.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional and populational based study, conducted in Virgem das Graças and Caju, which are located in Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais State. Information on demographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, biochemical and hemodynamic characteristics were collected of 534 adults. The MS was defined according to National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The independent associations between co-variables and MS were evaluated using the multivariate Poisson regression with robust variances. The statistical level of significance was set at 5.0%.
Results: MS was diagnosed in 14.9% of the subjects. Female sex, obesity, chronic subclinical inflammation, insulin resistance, age, and moderate alcohol consumption remained independently associated with MS.
Conclusions: In a rural population studied, MS was a Public Health concern, associated with modifiable factors. Therefore, primary preventive actions could be used to reduce the prevalence of this disease and its impact on people's health.