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Metabolic syndrome and socioeconomic status in France: The French Nutrition and Health Survey (ENNS, 2006–2007)

  • Original Article
  • Published:
International Journal of Public Health

Abstract

Objectives

The main objective was to estimate, in France, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and to investigate the association between socioeconomic position and MetS.

Methods

The French National Nutrition and Health Survey (ENNS) cross-sectional national multistage sampling was carried out in 2006–2007. Data collection included waist circumference and blood pressure measurements, blood sample and sociodemographic and medication information. The prevalence of MetS was assessed using several definitions, including Joint Interim Statement (JIS). Association with sociodemographic covariates was assessed using logistic regression models.

Results

Among the 1,856 participants 18–74 years of age, MetS prevalence was found to vary from 14.6 % (National Cholesterol Education Program definition) to 21.1 % (JIS), with no difference between genders. After adjustment, risk of MetS increased with age in both men and women. In women, MetS risk was inversely associated with education level. Risk of MetS was higher in men born outside France than in French-born males.

Conclusions

MetS prevalence appeared to be lower in France than in most industrialised countries. The promoting of public health measures to reduce MetS, for example, lifestyle changes, is of utmost importance, particularly among less favourable socioeconomic categories and among migrants.

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Acknowledgments

ENNS was funded by the French Institute for Health Surveillance (InVS) and Paris 13 University. The authors are particularly grateful to the dieticians who collected data, the physicians, nurses and laboratory staff from the health examination centres of the French National Health Insurance System (Caisse nationale d’assurance maladie des travailleurs salariés) who participated in the survey and the Cetaf (Centre technique d’appui et de formation des centres d’examens de santé).

Conflict of interest

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Département maladies chroniques et traumatismes, Institut de veille sanitaire (InVS), Unité de surveillance et d’épidémiologie nutritionnelle (USEN), Saint-Maurice, France

    M. Vernay, B. Salanave, A. Malon, V. Deschamps & K. Castetbon

  2. Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de surveillance et d’épidémiologie nutritionnelle (USEN), Bobigny, France

    M. Vernay, B. Salanave, A. Malon, V. Deschamps & K. Castetbon

  3. Département maladies chroniques et traumatismes, Institut de veille sanitaire (InVS), Unité multi-programmes (UMUP), Saint-Maurice, France

    C. de Peretti & C. Druet

  4. Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de recherche en épidémiologie nutritionnelle (UREN), Bobigny, France

    S. Hercberg

  5. Département de santé publique, Institut national de la santé et de la Recherche médicale (U557)/Institut national de la recherche agronomique (U1125), Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France

    S. Hercberg

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  1. M. Vernay
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  2. B. Salanave
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  3. C. de Peretti
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Correspondence to M. Vernay.

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Vernay, M., Salanave, B., de Peretti, C. et al. Metabolic syndrome and socioeconomic status in France: The French Nutrition and Health Survey (ENNS, 2006–2007). Int J Public Health 58, 855–864 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-013-0501-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-013-0501-2

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