Are different perceived stressors associated with metabolic syndrome: a longitudinal cohort study of adults in central Iran

Purpose The link between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and various stressors has not been thoroughly investigated. We aimed to examine the relationship between MetS and different perceived stressors. Methods In this study, we included participants of the Isfahan Cohort study from three counties in central Iran, with data in the 2007 ( n = 3178) and 2013 ( n = 1693) follow-up stages. We examined the association between distress and perceived stress domains (including job security, job conflicts, personal conflicts, loss and separation, social relations, and health concerns) and MetS. Results MetS was identified in 35.8% of participants in the 2007 cohort and 46.2% in the 2013 cohort. In the fully adjusted analysis, the odds ratio (OR) (95%CI) for MetS according to psychological status was 1.65 (1.64–1.65) for psychological distress level, 1.09 (1.01–1.20) for psychological distress score, and 1.21 (1.09–1.42) for total perceived stress score. There was also evidence of association for social relations, personal conflicts, job conflicts, job security, health concern, loss and separation, educational concerns, and sexual life subscales. Conclusion Perceived stressors and some of their subscales were associated with MetS.