International Journal of Medicine and Public Health · Oct 21, 2026
PREVALENCE OF METABOLIC SYNDROME IN A RURAL POPULATION OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN: A 6-MONTH CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
By Ghaffar N, Ahmed J, Shah MZ et al.
Background: Metabolic syndrome is a set of cardiometabolic dysfunctions which significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is rapidly increasing across the globe, but the information based on community-based research of rural population in Pakistan is minimal. The objective is to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its associated risk factors among adults residing in a rural population of Karachi, Pakistan. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional research was carried out in the six months at the Baqai Fatima Hospital, Karachi. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling plan was used to recruit a group of adults between 18 years and above who were in rural locations. The data collected involved the passage of structured interview, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements, and the performance of fasting bio-chemical tests. The operational definition of metabolic syndrome was based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Statistical tests were done in SPSS; relative frequency and percentages were used to present the variables that were categorical and statistically significant association was revealed through the relevant statistical tests. Results: A total of 345 participants were included. The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 34.2%. Central obesity, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and elevated triglyceride levels were the most common components identified. The condition was more frequently observed among older adults and showed variation across demographic groups. Conclusion: The metabolic syndrome is quite common in the rural communities of Karachi and indicates a growing cardiometabolic burden. Timely screening, community-based preventive programs, and targeted interventions in the health of the population are essential to reducing cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity in these groups in the future.