Metabolic Syndrome among Nurses

Nurses who are mostly shift workers were found to be at risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). A cross sectional study was conducted among 404 female nurses working in a teaching hospital in Kelantan, Malaysia to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its associated factors. Data were collected using a proforma consisted of sociodemographic data, occupational history, physical activity and DASS 42 questionnaire (validated Malay version). Anthropometric, blood pressure measurement and fasting venous blood were taken from each subject for fasting lipid profile and blood sugar. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 24.3% (95% CI: 20.1, 28.4). The significant factors associated with metabolic syndrome were total duration of employment (years) and one way commuting time to work (minutes). High prevalence of metabolic syndrome indicates that nurses are occupational high risk group for CHD. Occupational factors which significantly associated with metabolic syndrome in this study are total duration of employment and one way commuting time to work, however there is no significant relationship between metabolic syndrome and shift work as well as self-perceived job stress.