Understanding socioeconomic differences in incident metabolic syndrome among adults: What is the mediating role of health behaviours?

The incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) strongly varies by socioeconomic position (SEP), but little is known about the mediating role health behaviours in this association. This study examines associations between SEP measures, education, income and occupational prestige, incident MetS whether are mediated behaviours, including physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake diet quality. A subsample (n = 85,910) adult Lifelines Cohort Study without at baseline was used. measured second assessment (median follow-up time 3.8 years) defined according to NCEP-ATPIII criteria. Direct SEP, were estimated using multivariable logistic regression analyses. percentages explaining Karlson-Holm-Breen method. Analyses independent age, sex, other measures time. Education prestige inversely associated with MetS. Income not Health explained only partly (13.8%) association education MetS, smoking as strongest factor (8.8%). played also a minor (2.7%) differences, activity suppressing (−9.4%). Individuals more years or higher had lower risk develop mainly because non-smoking, less excessive However, individuals often physically inactive.