Educational disparities in the metabolic syndrome in a rapidly changing society, the case of South Korea

초록

We analyzed the nationwide survey data of 1998 and 2001 with a sample of 4723 men and 6042 women (≥ 25 years old). The subjects were grouped into 4 birth cohorts based on the historical context; born before 1946, 1946~1953, 1954~1962, and since 1963. Socioeconomic position was defined by education level; low (junior school or below), and high group (high school or above). The syndrome was defined according to ATP Ⅲ criteria with abdominal obesity for Asians. The complex pattern of disparities might reflect the changes in the lifestyles across cohorts and gender. An equity-sensitive health promotion program is now required to prevent further expansion of inequalities in the metabolic syndrome and its components in Korea.