prevalence and Predictors of Dyslipidemia in Children and Adolescents in Yazd Greater Area, Yazd, Iran

Dyslipidemia, a genetic and multifactorial disorder of lipoprotein metabolism, is defined by elevations in the levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non–HDL-C), triglyceride, or some combination thereof as well as lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of dyslipidemia in children and adolescents in the Yazd Greater Area, Yazd, Iran.

This cross-sectional study was conducted as a part of the national project implemented in Yazd Greater Area, Yazd, Iran. The sampling was performed using a multi-stage cluster sampling method on three age groups of girls and boys, including 6-9, 10-14, and 15-18 years old. Out of the total 1,035 children and adolescents who initially participated in this study, only 784 participantsremained until the end. Datacollection was performed using lifestyle questionnaires including Kiddie-SADS-Present and Lifetime Version software.

The rate of high triglyceride was estimated at 1.4% and 4.2% in 6-9 and 10-18 years old children and adolescents, respectively. Moreover, the prevalence of high cholesterol, LDL, and HDL were obtained at 3.2%, 3.2%, and 25.6%, respectively. The prevalence of dyslipidemia in the total population of children and adolescents was estimated at 64.6% and 57.3% in boys and girls, respectively (P=0.038) in terms of demographic variables. Gender and increase in body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with dyslipidemia with OR=1.35; 95% CI: 1.01-1.81 and OR=13.781; 95% CI: 3.78-46.43, respectively. However, after adjustment for other factors, only an increase in BMI was significantly associated with dyslipidemia (OR=16.08; 95% CI: 4.49-57.59).

Overweight and obese adolescents had a higher concentration of serum blood triglycerides, compared to their counterparts. Weight control, lifestyle, and diet modification are three ways to reduce lipid disorders in adolescents.