Published in PLOS One on 2026-06-05, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Elias Chane, Yilkal Amlaku, Amare Mekuanint, Abebaw Worede, Habtamu Wondifraw Baynes, Getnet Fetene
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0350807
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of interrelated metabolic aberrations that significantly elevates the risk of poor cardiovascular outcomes and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Healthcare professionals, particularly those working long shifts, may have elevated risk due to the demanding nature of their work, irregular lifestyles, and associated stress. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of MetS among healthcare professionals working long shifts in primary hospitals in the Central Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.
An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 271 healthcare professionals working in three primary hospitals (from September to December 2023). Study data were collected using structured questionairs, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical assessments. Five mililiters of fasting blood sample was collected from each participant; and serum lipid profile and glucose analyzed on Beckman Coulter DXC 700 AU chemistry analyzer. MetS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria. Independent ttest and one-way ANOVA were used for intra and inter group comparison; and Logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with MetS, and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported to determine the strength of associations.
The prevalence of MetS among healthcare professionals was 11.44% (95% CI 8.14–15.83). Dyslipidemias were observed to be the most common forms of metabolic derangement with 145 (53.51%) of study subjects having at least one lipid profile abnormality; whereas, hyperglycemias was the least common 27 (9.96%) form of metabolic abnormalities. Age ≥ 35 years (AOR = 6.75; 95% CI: 2.34–19.46), a family history of diabetes among first-degree relatives (AOR = 7.78; 95% CI: 2.57–23.53), and short sleep duration (<6 hours per day) (AOR = 7.78; 95% CI: 2.35–25.70) were significant factors associated with MetS (p < 0.05).
Metabolic syndrome is prevalent among healthcare professionals particularily those working long shifts; with age, family history of diabetes, and insufficient sleep identified as key risk factors. Hospital administrators and occupational health units should implement routine metabolic screening, optimized shift scheduling, and sleep hygiene support programs specifically for healthcare professionals working prolonged shifts, with particular attention to high-risk staff groups. Further workplace-based research is also needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these targeted interventions.
Introduction
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of interrelated biochemical and functional abnormalities, including central obesity, high blood pressure, dyslipidemias, and impaired glucose metabolism and regulation [1,2]. These conditions together increase the risk of poor cardiovascular outcomes, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and premature mortality [2,3]. Even though the scale varies widely among different populations, the prevalence of MetS is increasing dramatically over the past decades, driven by lifestyle changes and work-related factors [4,5]. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in adults increased from 25.3% to 34.2% in 2018 [6] similarly, a recent NHANES evidence suggests that metabolic syndrome remains a major public health burden, affecting nearly 40% adults in the 2023, with persistent age and racial/ethnic disparities and with a modest rise over time [7]; This burden may be even higher in low- and middle-income settings such as Ethiopia, where healthcare systems frequently face workforce shortages, limited resources, and high patient-to-provider ratios;for instance a 2023 meta-analysis estimating an overall prevalence of 32.4% across African populations, and some regions such as southern Africa showing even higher levels [8]. Conversely, the pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Ethiopia particularly was found to be 30.0% according to a recent report from 25 studies [9].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider hospital systems desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Elias Chane, Yilkal Amlaku, Amare Mekuanint, Abebaw Worede, Habtamu Wondifraw Baynes, Getnet Fetene. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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