Socioeconomic determinants and metabolic syndrome: Results from the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program

Introduction: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing in Iran. We assessed the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and Mets components in the Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS The sample for this study comprised a random cross-section of men and women from two province districts who participated in the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP) in 2007. Each participant completed a questionnaire, underwent anthropometric testing and blood pressure measurements, and provided a blood sample. Mets was defined based on ATPIII criteria. Several SES dimensions, such as education, occupation, and number of children, as well as home, car, and personal computer ownership, were assessed to determine the participant's SES. RESULTS A higher-than-average income, car ownership, owning or renting a private home, and having a computer are increasing towards increment in SES. All MetS components were more prevalent in participants defined as having a lower SES, wh...