Metabolic syndrome prevalence in elderly of urban and rural communities participants in the HIPERDIA in the city of Coimbra/MG, Brazil

Objective. To identify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome(MS), and the influence of gender and place of residence forelders served by the Family Health Strategy in the municipality ofCoimbra (Minas Gerais state, Brazil). Methodology. The sampleconsisted of 435 individuals of both sexes, with mean of age72 ± 8 years. Results. Women had higher prevalence ratesof MS (urban= 40%, rural= 37%) with differences (p<0.05,φ= 0.168 and 0.284) for men (urban= 13%, rural= 22%).Odds Ratio for SM was significant in age groups over 65 yearsin urban areas, with women having higher chances comparedwith men (OR=3.07 times), becoming 5.8 times aged 75 to79 years. Women are more exposed to obesity (urban= 80.4%, rural= 78.6%) than men, regardless of place of residence(p<0.05, φ=0.46 and 0.47 respectively), and the urban womenare still exposed to hypertension (65%, p= 0.022, φ= 0.12).Conclusion. The prevalence of MS and exposure to risk factorssuch as obesity and hypertension was higher in women, mainlyin urban areas. Health professionals, like nurses, should note thatthe elderly population in urban areas have greater exposure to riskfactors for MS, which should strengthen educational programsthat promote healthy lifestyles.Key words: metabolic syndrome X; cross-sectional studies; ruralhealth; urban health; aged; life style.Objetivo. Identificar a prevalência de Síndrome Metabólica (SM), influência do gênero e do local de moradia em idosos atendidos pela Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF) do município de Coimbra-MG. Metodologia. A amostra foi composta por 435 indivíduos de ambos os sexos (72 ± 8 anos) das áreas urbana e rural. Resultados. As mulheres obtiveram maiores taxas de prevalência de SM (urbana=40%; rural=37%) com diferenças (p<0.05; φ=0.168 e 0.284) para os homens (urbana=13%; rural=22%). Odds Ratio para SM mostrou-se significativa em faixas etárias superiores a 65 anos na zona urbana, com as mulheres apresentando maiores chances em relação aos homens (OR=3.07 vezes), chegando a ser de 5,8 vezes na faixa etária 75 a 79 anos. As mulheres estão mais expostas à OA (urbana=80.4%; rural=78.6%) que os homens, independente do local de moradia (p