Unravelling prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Baiga tribe of Dindori district of central India

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is the co-occurrence of abnormalities that can ultimately increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in a particular individual. The abnormalities include hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and obesity. As the tribal population is now living a transitioning lifestyle, they are also becoming susceptible to various key factors responsible for the metabolic syndrome. The study of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the tribal population is a necessary step to know its true status. Aim & objective of the study: To estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adults of Baiga tribe population of Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh. Methodology: The present study is a cross-sectional study, in which 791 respondents from the Baiga tribe of Dindori district, Madhya Pradesh, India screened for metabolic syndrome. The villages were selected by cluster sampling and the respondents by simple random sampling from age 18 years–65 years. The respondents were subjected to WHO STEP-wise approach to the NCD risk factor surveillance questionnaire for socio-demographic, behavioral, physical activity, and clinical measurements. Subsequently, anthropometric measurements were done and blood & urine samples were collected for the biochemical tests. The dietary patterns were recorded by a self-designed, catering tribal diets food frequency questionnaire. The criteria used for determination were given by the National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III). Results & analysis: According to NCEP ATP III criteria, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the Baiga tribe of Dindori district was observed to be 7.83 %, in which males accounted for 6.9 % and females for 9.2 %. Discussions: The present study shows a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome among the tribal population. This can be inferred as the situation in the tribal population is as serious as it is in the urban population. The situation can become more complicated as the tribal population lives in remote and secluded areas and has poor diagnostic and treatment facilities as compared to the urban population. Thus, immediate attention is required from the tribal health policymakers to intervene in this matter.