Relationship between marital status and metabolic syndrome using a cohort data in South Korea

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the relationship between unchanged or changing marital status and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in middle-aged and older Korean.

Methods: The study participants included 51,528 adults 40 years and older from the10-year cohort data of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Marital status was categorized as unchanged (single, married, divorced/widowed/separated) or changing (transitioning to marriage or transitioning out of marriage).

Results: The prevalence of MetS was highest in women (47.1%) and men (40.5%) aged 50-59 years. A changing marital status, in single or divorced/widowed/separated men (especially those transitioning from married status) showed a significantly increased risk of MetS and its components, compared with men whose marital status was maintained. Single or divorced/widowed/separated women showed a significantly lower risk of MetS and its components than women who maintained their marital status.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that national public health policies should consider sex-specific findings and prepare interventions and strategies focusing on marital status and sex to prevent MetS and its components.