Metabolic Syndrome Among Rural Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study of a Medically Underserved Population
Abstract
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined by the presence of at least three of five key markers-abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. While better understood in urban populations, its prevalence, and drivers within rural underserved populations, including the Appalachia, remain understudied. This study identifies the behavioral, social, and clinical factors associated with MetS in Appalachian population. Methods: Electronic Health Record (EHR) data were obtained from Ballad Health (TN, VA, North Carolina, and Kentucky). MetS was defined as a Body Mass Index of ≥25 plus self-reported hypertension, diabetes, or use of antihypertensive, cholesterol, or glucose-lowering medications. Correlates were selected based on EHR dataset availability, literature, and clinical consensus. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Among 19,616 patients, 65% met the criteria for MetS (≥3 metabolic conditions). Males had 45% higher odds of having MetS than females (OR=1.40; CI: 1.30-1.51). MetS risk increased significantly with age, peaking specifically in the 70–79 group compared with those aged <30 years (OR=6.43; CI:4.50-9.18). While present smoking was associated with lower odds for MetS (OR=1.09, CI:0.98-1.21), being a former smoker increased the odds (OR=1.23; CI: 1.13-1.34), compared with a nonsmoker. Being widowed (OR=1.12; CI:0.95-1.33) or divorced (OR=1.20; CI:1.04-1.40) increased the odds for MetS compared to those married. Our study showed that unemployment during life was strongly associated with MetS (OR= 0.70; CI: 0.65-0.77). Myocardial infarction (OR= 2.01; CI: 1.61-2.52), Peripheral Arterial Disease (OR= 1.51; CI: 1.23-1.85), and procedures – CABG/stent (OR= 0.97; CI: 0.82-1.16) increased the odds for MetS, compared to those without them. Conclusion: Two-thirds of the patients had MetS, driven by behavioral, social determinants, and cardiovascular comorbidities. These findings inform targeted public health interventions and policy adjustments to mitigate metabolic disease burden in rural communities. Acknowledgement Ballad Health
Start Time
15-4-2026 1:30 PM
End Time
15-4-2026 4:30 PM
Room Number
Culp Ballroom 316
Poster Number
35
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Subtype
Posters - Competitive
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Graduate and Professional Degree Students, Residents, Fellows
Faculty Mentor
Hadii Mamudu
Metabolic Syndrome Among Rural Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study of a Medically Underserved Population
Culp Ballroom 316
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined by the presence of at least three of five key markers-abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. While better understood in urban populations, its prevalence, and drivers within rural underserved populations, including the Appalachia, remain understudied. This study identifies the behavioral, social, and clinical factors associated with MetS in Appalachian population. Methods: Electronic Health Record (EHR) data were obtained from Ballad Health (TN, VA, North Carolina, and Kentucky). MetS was defined as a Body Mass Index of ≥25 plus self-reported hypertension, diabetes, or use of antihypertensive, cholesterol, or glucose-lowering medications. Correlates were selected based on EHR dataset availability, literature, and clinical consensus. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Among 19,616 patients, 65% met the criteria for MetS (≥3 metabolic conditions). Males had 45% higher odds of having MetS than females (OR=1.40; CI: 1.30-1.51). MetS risk increased significantly with age, peaking specifically in the 70–79 group compared with those aged <30 years>(OR=6.43; CI:4.50-9.18). While present smoking was associated with lower odds for MetS (OR=1.09, CI:0.98-1.21), being a former smoker increased the odds (OR=1.23; CI: 1.13-1.34), compared with a nonsmoker. Being widowed (OR=1.12; CI:0.95-1.33) or divorced (OR=1.20; CI:1.04-1.40) increased the odds for MetS compared to those married. Our study showed that unemployment during life was strongly associated with MetS (OR= 0.70; CI: 0.65-0.77). Myocardial infarction (OR= 2.01; CI: 1.61-2.52), Peripheral Arterial Disease (OR= 1.51; CI: 1.23-1.85), and procedures – CABG/stent (OR= 0.97; CI: 0.82-1.16) increased the odds for MetS, compared to those without them. Conclusion: Two-thirds of the patients had MetS, driven by behavioral, social determinants, and cardiovascular comorbidities. These findings inform targeted public health interventions and policy adjustments to mitigate metabolic disease burden in rural communities. Acknowledgement Ballad Health
