[Metabolic morbidity in the prison population of Catalonia, Spain].

objectiveTo investigate the prevalence of metabolic morbidity (MM) amongst prison inmates.

designMulticentric, cross-sectional observational study.

settingAll (nine) prisons in Catalonia.

participantsConvicted inmates that are not in an «open regime», whose healthcare relies on the Prison Primary Care Teams.

interventionsMM was defined as the presence of at least one component of the metabolic syndrome, i.e., obesity, arterial hypertension, type2 diabetes, and/or dyslipidemia. The variables collected included anthropometric measurements, medical history and laboratory values related to MM. The source of information was the Catalan Primary Healthcare Services Information System (SISAP). MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The prevalence of MM, overall and by several participant subcategories, was calculated. To investigate the risk factors associated to a higher prevalence of MM, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out and expressed as adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

results4338 inmates were studied, of whom 93.9% were male. Mean age was 38.4years, 51.7% were born in European Union countries, and 6.7% were infected by HIV. The variables associated with a significantly increased risk of presenting MM were older age and HIV infection, whereas certain geographical origins (i.e., non-UE European countries, Maghreb and Sub-Saharan Africa) were associated with lower risk of MM.

conclusionsIn spite of being an overall young population, prison inmates present high rates of MM. Older age, HIV infection and geographic origin appear as the most strongly associated factors with MM in the prison population. MM should be detected early in order to prevent complications. Prevention, screening and treatment of MM ought to be considered a priority in the clinical routine of prison healthcare professionals.