(P22-052-20) Association Between Elevation, Health Related Lifestyles and the Metabolic Syndrome Among Ecuadorian Adults: A National Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: To examine the associations of elevation, health related lifestyles and Metabolic Syndrome Mets in the Ecuadorian adult population.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used secondary data from the 2012 Ecuador National Health and Nutrition Survey, a total of 6,024 adults (1,964 men and 4,060 women) aged 20 to 60 years were included in the study. Elevation was obtained by georeferencing techniques, dietary intake was measured using a 24-hour dietary recall method and health related lifestyles through risk factors and physical activity standardized questionnaires. MetS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III and the Latin American Diabetes Association criteria. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations between elevation, health related lifestyles and MetS abnormalities.

Results: Residing at low elevation (0-,2000 masl) showed increased risk of MetS in men (1.42; 95% CI, 1.11-1.81), increased waist circumference in women (1.32; 95% CI, 1.02-1.70) and increased risk of elevated fasting glucose in men (2.08; 95% CI, 1.55-2.79) and women (1.70; 95% CI, 1.38-2.10). Health-related lifestyle factors (alcohol consumption, current smoking, currently working and Estimated Energy Requirement intake) showed increased trend of higher risks of MetS and other components in response to lower elevation. However, only physical activity (Yes vs. No) showed a significant difference, decreased risk of elevated triglycerides in women (0.49; 95% CI, 0.25-0.97).

Conclusions: Living at low elevation was associated with increased prevalence of MetS in men, increased waist circumference in women and elevated fasting glucose in men and women. Regular physical activity in response to low elevation was associated with decreased risk of elevated triglycerides in women.

Funding Sources: This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.