Prevalence and Associated Factors of Metabolic Syndrome among Adults Attending Outpatient Services in Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo

Abstract

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of interrelated metabolic abnormalities that collectively increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as renal and hepatic complications. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of MetS and identify its associated risk factors among adult patients attending outpatient health facilities in Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 357 adult patients aged ≥30 years. Data collection included fasting blood glucose, lipid profile parameters, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum insulin, and interleukin-6 levels. Information on personal medical history, lifestyle behaviours, and anthropometric measurements was also obtained. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined as the presence of at least three out of five components: elevated waist circumference, high triglyceride levels, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose. Software R 4.5.1 via the RStudio 2025.05.1 interface was used for analysis. Results: The prevalence of MetS was 31.9%, with no difference between men and women (36.1% versus 30.1%; p > 0.05). After adjustment, female sex, elevated body mass index (BMI), increased insulin levels, higher Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and hyperLDLemia were independently associated with metabolic syndrome. C onclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of MetS among adults seeking outpatient care. These findings underscore the urgent need for early screening and targeted interventions addressing modifiable risk factors in high-risk populations. Further large-scale, longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these associations and explore causal pathways in diverse Congolese settings.