The Korean journal of internal medicine

The Korean Association of Internal Medicine (대한내과학회)
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Metabolic syndrome awareness in the general Korean population: results from a nationwide survey

  • Hyun-Jin Kim (Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University Guri Hospital) ;
  • Mi-Seung Shin (Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine) ;
  • Kyung-Hee Kim (Division of Cardiology. Incheon Sejong Hospital) ;
  • Mi-Hyang Jung (Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Research Institute for Intractable Cardiovascular Disease, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea) ;
  • Dong-Hyuk Cho (Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital) ;
  • Ju-Hee Lee (Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Kwang Kon Koh (K-Heart Clinic & Lab)
  • Received : 2023.08.27
  • Accepted : 2023.10.05
  • Published : 2024.03.01
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Abstract

Background/Aims: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) raises the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. An awareness of MetS is vital for early detection and proactive management, which can mitigate the risks associated with MetS. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the level of awareness of MetS among the Korean population. Methods: We conducted a nationwide survey between January and February 2023 among a representative sample of the Korean population using an online survey. Information regarding the awareness of MetS and its risk, the importance of lifestyle modification, and health behavior were collected. The question about the awareness of MetS was "How much do you think you know about MetS?" and there were five answers: 1) I know very well, 2) I know well, 3) I know a little, 4) I do not know, and 5) I have no idea. The high-awareness group was defined as those who answered that they knew very well or well. Results: Among 1,000 participants (mean age, 45.7 ± 13.2 yr), 29% were unaware of MetS, and only 20.8% had high awareness. The high-awareness group was significantly more knowledgeable about lifestyle modifications and demonstrated better health behaviors. After adjustment for possible confounding factors, younger age, low household income, and absence of comorbidity were independently associated with a lack of awareness regarding MetS. Conclusions: The high-awareness group showed greater knowledge of the importance of lifestyle modifications and better health behaviors regarding MetS. The findings highlight the need for improved public education and awareness programs regarding MetS.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors thank the Korean Society of CardioMetabolic Syndrome for providing the funds for this online survey.

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