High prevalence of hyperuricemia and the association with metabolic syndrome in the rural areas of Southwestern China: A structural equation modeling based on the Zhuang minority cohort

The prevalence of hyperuricemia (HUA) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the Zhuang minority had not been examined. We aimed to determine the prevalence of HUA and MetS, and explore the interrelationship among the serum uric acid to creatinine (SUA/Cr) ratio, MetS, and its components. A cross-sectional study was conducted with structured questionnaire and physical examination based on the Zhuang minority cohort. A Structural Equation Model was performed to examine the hypothesis link between the SUA/Cr ratio, MetS, and its components. 10,902 aged 35–74 years Zhuang minority adults were included. The total prevalence of HUA and MetS was 17.5% and 23.7%, respectively. The SUA/Cr ratio had a positive effect on MetS (the standardized coefficient βr was 0.311 in males and 0.401 in females). The SUA/Cr ratio was positively associated with obesity (βr = 0.215), dyslipidemia (βr = 0.177), and high blood pressure (βr = 0.034) in males and was positively associated with obesity (βr = 0.303), dyslipidemia (βr = 0.162), and hyperglycemia (βr = 0.036) in females. The prevalence of HUA in the aged 35–74 years Zhuang minority adults was high while the prevalence of MetS was relatively low. As HUA is an earlier-onset metabolic disorder and the SUA/Cr ratio had a positive effect on MetS and its components, the prevention measures of MetS should be strengthened. And the SUA/Cr ratio can be used as an early warning sign to implement the intervention measures of MetS. •High prevalence of HUA but low prevalence of MetS was found in Zhuang minority adults.•SUA was positively affected MetS and its components.•The low prevalence of MetS may due to the lag effect of lifestyle changed.