Jundishapur Journal of Health Sciences

Jundishapur Journal of Health Sciences

The Silent Crisis of Metabolic Syndrome and the Need to Reconsider Public Health Strategies in Iran: A Policy Brief

Document Type : Brief Report

Authors
Zahra Rahimi 1
Nader Saki 1
Seyed Jalal Hashemi 2
Seyed Ahmad Hosseini 3
Fakher Rahim 4
bahman cheragian* 2
1 Hearing Research Center, Clinical Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
2 Alimentary Tract Research Center, Clinical Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
3 Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Clinical Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
4 Department of Internal Medicine, Osh State University, Osh, Kyrgyzstan
10.22118/jjhs.2025.558339.1026
Abstract
Background and Objective: Research problem: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major driver of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. It can be considered a serious threat to public health. Evidence from Iran indicates a growing prevalence that threatens both population health and economic stability.

Methods: This policy brief is based on findings from a study titled “Socioeconomic status and metabolic syndrome in Southwest Iran: Results from the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study (HCS)”.

Findings: The overall prevalence of MetS in the participants was 39.1%. While skill level and the Townsend index were significantly and independently associated with MetS, no such associations were observed for educational level or wealth status.

Conclusion: The results of our study showed that socioeconomic status (SES) is a significant factor in the prevalence of MetS. Among the four assessed SES indicators, skilled levels and Townsend score showed the strongest associations with MetS. Therefore, we recommend that interventional programs for MetS account for SES when being designed for similar communities.
Keywords
Metabolic syndrome
Socioeconomic Status
Policy Brief
Iran
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Jundishapur Journal of Health Sciences
Volume 18, Issue 1
2026
Pages 46-49