Socioeconomic differences in metabolic syndrome development and the role of perceived stress

Abstract Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) incidence strongly varies by socioeconomic position (SEP), but to date, no studies have assessed the mediating role of perceived stress from long-term difficulties (chronic stress) in this association. This study examines chronic associations between SEP measures education, occupational prestige and income, incident MetS whether are moderated sex. Methods An adult subsample (n = 53,216) Lifelines Cohort Study without at baseline was used. measured follow-up (median time 3.9 years) defined according NCEP-ATPIII criteria. Chronic with Long-term Difficulties Inventory (LDI) consists 12 items evaluating (on a 3-point Likert scale) what extent various domains life had been as stressful during last year. Direct SEP, were estimated using multivariable logistic linear regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex, other time. The percentages explaining Karlson-Holm-Breen method. Results At 7.4% participants developed MetS. Years education inversely associated incidence. suppressed association (5.4%) well (6.0%). No effect modification sex stress-MetS pathway observed. Conclusions does not explain educational differences developing In fact, individuals more years or higher perceive stress, compared their lower counterparts. Key messages Education metabolic syndrome.