Ann Med Med Res | Volume 8, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access

Relationship Between Metabolic Syndrome and Health Related Quality of Life Among Obese Adults in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Azeke OD¹, Oseni TIA^2*, Fuh NF³, Azeke AT⁴, Eromon PE⁵, Adewuyi BO⁶, Ibharokhonre AO⁷ and Affusim CC⁸

¹Department of Family Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Nigeria ²Department of Family Medicine, Edo State University, Nigeria ³Department of Family Medicine, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Nigeria ⁴Department of Histopathology, Ambrose Alli University, Nigeria ⁵Department of Family Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Nigeria ⁶Department of Family Medicine, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Nigeria ⁷Department of Family Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Nigeria ⁸Department of Family Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Nigeria

^*Correspondance to: Oseni TIA 

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a global public health concern and a major risk factor for chronic non communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders. Its increasing prevalence in Nigeria, together with its metabolic and psychosocial consequences, highlights the need to understand its impact on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL). This study assessed the relationship between Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and HRQOL among obese adults attending a tertiary hospital in Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 obese adults (≥18 years) attending the General Outpatient Department of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument, and laboratory measurements including fasting blood glucose and lipid profile. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Associations between variables were tested using Chi-square analysis at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Of the 300 participants, 215 (71.7%) were female and the mean age was 51.6 ± 8.9 years. T he prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 26.3%. Overall, 72.3% of respondents reported good HRQOL, while 27.7% reported poor HRQOL. The physical and psychological domains were the most affected. Participants without metabolic syndrome had significantly better overall HRQOL (p = 0.001) and physical health scores (p = 0.022). Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is common among obese adults and is associated with poorer physical health and overall quality of life. Integrated lifestyle interventions and early screening for metabolic risk factors are essential to improve well-being in this population.

Keywords:

Keywords: Obesity; Metabolic syndrome; Health-related quality of life; Nigeria; Public health

Citation:

Azeke OD, Oseni TIA, Fuh NF, Azeke AT, Eromon PE, Adewuyi BO, et al. Relationship Between Metabolic Syndrome and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Obese Adults in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital. Ann Med Medical Res. 2026; 8: 1087..