The association of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and micronutrients with metabolic syndrome among fishermen and farmers: The mediating role of physical activity (A case-control study).

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) considers as one of the public health problem due to increasing of MetS prevalence worldwide. Farmers and fishermen in Aceh Regency are groups that are risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) due to unstable socio-economic conditions. This study aimed to identify dietary factors, including fiber, antioxidants, and micronutrients, associated with MetS among these populations.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted with 240 participants (120 cases with MetS and 120 controls without MetS) from Lhokseumawe and North Aceh. Biochemical components, including Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) and lipid profile were performed by Regional Hospital Medical Team. Dietary intake was assessed using 2 × 24 hour food recall, and physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Non-parametric independent t-test was used to analyze the difference of intake between groups, while characteristics of respondents were compared in two groups using chi square and fisher exact test. Linear and logistic regression were performed to conduct multivariate analysis and to analyze the mediating role of physical activity.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed a higher intake of energy and lower micronutrient intake in the cases group (P < 0.05). Physical activity significantly mediated the association between certain dietary intakes (such as energy, vitamin C, and magnesium) and MetS (P < 0.05), while partial mediation was observed for zinc (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the importance of dietary improvements and increased physical activity in reducing MetS risk in fishermen and farmers in Aceh.