Age, Heat Stress, and Shift Work as Determinants of Metabolic Syndrome in Industrial Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is recognized as a major global public health issue. Current estimates suggest that MetS affects around 20-30% of the adult population worldwide, though its prevalence varies significantly across different regions and demographic groups. Objective: To explore the relationship between MetS and occupational or environmental factors among industrial workers and provide insights to guide workplace health interventions and preventive measures. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study was conducted on a sample of 2,526 workers who underwent occupational health evaluations at the Occupational Health Clinic from 21 March 2023 to 21 July 2024. MetS was diagnosed based on the NCEP ATP III criteria, which require the presence of at least three of the following risk factors: elevated triglyceride levels, reduced high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, increased fasting blood glucose levels, and abdominal obesity. Results: Out of 2,526 participants, 1,981 were male (78.4%) and 545 were female (21.6%). The mean of age was 39.74 years. The prevalence of MetS was 11%, with higher rates observed in older workers, males, smokers, married individuals, and those exposed to occupational heat stress, noise, and shift work. Logistic regression analysis identified significant associations between MetS and factors such as age, heat stress exposure, and shift work (p<0.05).Conclusion: The study highlights a strong link between age, occupational heat stress, shift work, and the prevalence of MetS in workers. These findings underscore the importance of implementing tailored interventions to mitigate occupational risks, particularly for older employees and those exposed to extreme temperatures or irregular work schedules.