Background: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome has increased dramatically since the last Nutrition And Health Survey in Taiwan. It is argued that the westernized food patterns, increase of obesity, and population aging are all associated with this trend. Metabolic syndrome is related to many leading causes of death and the soaring medical cost in Taiwan. However, fewer studies have examined the association between food intake patterns and metabolic syndrome across different ethnic groups in Taiwan.
Objective: The purpose of this study is to understand the difference in food intake patterns among the three ethnic groups and its association with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Taiwan.
Methods: Data are from the 2005-2008 Nutrition And Health Survey in Taiwan. Cases belong to the Min-nan, Hakka, or Aborigine were selected. Among these selected cases, their interview information were matched with their blood-test results to form our study sample. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations between food intake frequency and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome across the three ethnic groups.
Results: No significant association is found between food intake frequency and ethnicity. But, we find that the Aborigines have the highest prevalence of metabolic syndrome, which is associated with their higher prevalence of obesity.
Conclusion: Even though there is no significant association between food intake patterns and metabolic syndrome across ethnic groups in Taiwan. However, food intake is a complex behavior. More research is needed to understand why the Aborigines have the highest prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Taiwan.
