Factors Affecting the Development of Metabolic Syndrome in Single-Person Households: A Sex-Stratified Analysis

Various sociodemographic and behavioral health factors have been reported to influence the development of metabolic syndrome (Mets). In addition, the effects of various sociodemographic and health related characteristics on single-person households appear to be influenced by sex. Considering the surge in the number of single-person households globally, we conducted a sex-stratified analysis of the factors that affect the development of Mets among single-person Korean households. We used secondary data from the 2016–2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) for this study. A total of 1830 participants (aged ≥19 years) without any missing data were analyzed in this study. The chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used to analyze the study data. The results of the multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the significant risk factors for Mets in men were age, body mass index (BMI), subjective health status, subjective recognition of body shape, household income, and sleep hours, whereas age, BMI, subjective health status, exercise, and sleep hours were the significant risk factors for Mets in women. Specialized sex-specific health policies and programs are needed to reduce the prevalence of Mets in single-person households