The metabolic syndrome in relation to nutritional status among adults in Vietnam

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in recent decades, and its development obviously concurs with overweight and obesity. The significant changes in dietary patterns are linked to MetS's features, which are closely related to an unhealthy diet, higher consumption of meats and processed foods, and containing saturated fats and lower fruits and vegetables. Thus, modification in diet and acquisition of healthier habits in physical activity is the first and most crucial step to preventing and treating MetS. Vietnam has witnessed a major transition in disease patterns, in which communicable diseases have been substituted by the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) burden. However, in Vietnam, there is a paucity of evidence reflecting the association between nutrition and MetS diagnosis and the role of nutrition as risk factor for MetS development. Therefore, we aim to identify how nutrition status, dietary patterns, and physical activity contribute to MetS development.
A mixed methods study design will be used. First, a systematic review and meta-analysis of aggregate data will be conducted to summarise the prevalence of MetS and its components among Vietnamese adults and assess several associated factors. Second, a cross-sectional study using secondary data will be undertaken to assess anthropometric indices' discriminative power and cut-off values in predicting MetS. Third, we will also identify the relationship between dietary patterns, physical activity and the risk of MetS in Vietnamese adults. Fourth, we aim to evaluate the temporal pattern of diabetes treatment and medication use in Vietnam over a 7- year-period (2015-2022). A final approach will be applied to analyse qualitative data on current health policies proposed to prevent MetS and demand for MetS prevention in Vietnam.
Findings from the study would provide valuable evidence to enhance MetS prevention and treatment in the community and clinical settings. It may help the authorities to formulate and implement appropriate policies to reduce the prevalence of MetS and its driving factors.