Work

Binational comparison of the association between socioeconomic status and metabolic syndrome: A nationally representative study in South Korea and the United States

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective Despite the rising global burden of metabolic syndrome (MetS), evidence on its association with socioeconomic status (SES) remains limited. We aimed to compare associations between SES and MetS in South Korea and the US. Methods We conducted an analysis using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2007–2020, n = 73,023) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2007–2020, n = 24,198), targeting adults aged ≥20 years. MetS was defined based on the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. SES was categorized according to income and educational level. The association between SES and MetS was assessed using multivariable weighted logistic regression, yielding adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Age-standardized MetS prevalence was higher in South Korea (25.8% [95% CI, 25.1, 26.6]) than in the US (20.4% [18.4, 22.3]) in 2017–2020. In contrast, the aOR for MetS (lowest vs. highest SES group) was higher in the US than in South Korea (1.73 [1.49, 2.02] vs. 1.38 [1.27, 1.50]). Conclusions Our findings support country-specific strategies, with South Korea prioritizing early MetS prevention and the US reducing access barriers and optimizing health-care spending.

Source: Preventive Medicine Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2025.103298