FRI450 The Association Between Metabolic Syndrome And Food Security In A Reproductive Age Latina/LatinX Population
Authors: Ferrell Emily Lenk , Schon Samantha , Jiang Li , Valbuena Felix , Castillo-Mackenzie Maricela , Manuel Emma , Neff Lisa , Carnethon Mercedes , Baird Donna D , Marsh Erica E 
Published: October 2023

Disclosure: E.L. Ferrell: None. S. Schon: None. L. Jiang: None. F. Valbuena: None. M. Castillo-Mackenzie: None. E. Manuel: None. L. Neff: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly & Company. Stock Owner; Self; Eli Lilly & Company. M. Carnethon: None. D.D. Baird: None. E.E. Marsh: Consulting Fee; Self; Pfizer, Inc., Myovant Sciences.

Objective: Previous studies have found the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is approximately 33% in the United States overall, with highest prevalence among Hispanics at closer to 35%. Data further indicate that this prevalence is increasing significantly among Hispanics, the younger population (age 20-39) and women. Causes of these trends are unknown and likely multivariable. One hypothesized factor is level of food security - a known social determinant of health. Few studies have examined this relationship in reproductive age Latina females - a group at increased risk for both MetS and low food security. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between MetS and food security in a large cohort of reproductive aged Latina females.

Materials & Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis of data collected as part of a prospective longitudinal cohort study. The Environment, Leiomyomas, Latinas, and Adiposity Study (ELLAS) is a community based participatory study following a cohort of 707 Latina females over a 4-year period. Participants in this study were between the ages of 21-50 at the time of enrollment. Demographic and baseline data were collected by trained bilingual study staff. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and fasting blood samples were collected. MetS diagnosis was based on the AHA/NHLBI (2005) criteria. Food security scores were based on responses to the validated U.S. Household Food Security Survey with possible scores ranging from 0-6 with higher scores indicating lower food security status. Based on survey responses, participants were grouped as high, low, or very low food security. MetS and food security were assessed as categorical variables. Statistical associations were determined using chi-squared tests.

Results: Of the 707 participants enrolled in ELLAS, 621 completed the first study visit. Data from the five criteria for diagnosis of MetS were available from 584 participants. The mean age was 37.6±6.97 years and the mean BMI was 30.1±6.76 kg/m2. A total of 143 participants were noted to have MetS (24.2%). Prevalence of MetS was positively correlated with age. Average food security score was 0.83±1.34, with 3.08% having very low food security. Food security was found to be significantly associated with metabolic syndrome (P&lt;0.05). Among participants with high food security, 20.7% had the diagnosis of MetS versus those with low and very low food security at 36.3% and 33.3% respectively.

Conclusion: Among a large cohort of reproductive age Latina females, food security status is significantly associated with MetS. This social determinant of health needs to be better studied in this population known to be at increased risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Focusing efforts to improve food security among this population has the potential to reduce cardiovascular, metabolic, and reproductive adverse health outcomes.

Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023