Metabolic syndrome and occupation: Any association? Prevalence among auto technicians and school teachers in South West Nigeria.

Abstract Aims To determine occupational association with metabolic syndrome among auto technicians and school teachers. Methods One hundred and sixty six subjects were selected for this study. Clinical data was obtained while laboratory investigations including plasma glucose and lipid profile were performed. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS 20.0. P  Results School teachers had significantly higher mean total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol compared to auto technicians. Mean serum triglycerides was significantly higher among auto-technicians compared to school teachers in this study. The prevalence of some conventional cardiovascular risk factors was significantly higher among auto-technicians compared to school teachers: Impaired blood glucose (9.6% vs. 1.2%, p  Conclusion The prevalence of metabolic syndrome appears to be significantly higher among auto technicians despite their high level of physical activity, exertion and education compared to teachers. This may be related to the increased occupational exposure to organic and inorganic materials from dust particles, oil and oil related matter and particulate matter among auto technicians. Prompt definitive evaluation of this concept and appropriate health education to encourage safety mechanism can reduce this burden of metabolic syndrome among auto technicians in Nigeria.