Association with PM2.5 exposure and metabolic syndrome:a cross-sectional study in rural areas in three provinces of China
JI Qingyuan
ZHANG Hanbin
YE Pengpeng
LIU Tingzhuo
DU Xue
WANG Tengyi
LI Xiaoying
TIAN Wei
ZHANG Xinyi
TIAN Maoyi
Abstract：Objective To evaluate the association between indoor PM2.5 exposure and metabolic syndrome(MetS)in rural areas of three provinces in China.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted across 240 villages in three Chinese provinces.Participants aged≥30 years were randomly selected through gender-and age-stratified sampling in each village.Sociodemographic characteristics,lifestyle habits,medical history,and residential environment features were collected via standardized questionnaires.The prevalence of MetS was assessed based on blood pressure,waist circumference,and fasting venous blood biochemical indices.Indoor PM2.5 concentrations were assessed using PM2.5 monitoring devices that provided continuous 24-hour monitoring over seven days.Multivariable Logistic regression models were constructed to analyze the relationship between PM2.5 exposure levels and MetS risk,with dose-response relationships explored using restricted cubic spline models.Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were also conducted simultaneously.Results A total of 958 participants were included in the study,with a prevalence of MetS of 54.91%.After adjusting for confounders,participants exposed to the highest levels of PM2.5 exhibited significantly elevated MetS risk compared to the lowest exposure[OR=1.62,95%CI(1.16,2.26)].Subgroup analyses revealed heightened susceptibility to high PM2.5 exposure among females[OR=2.28,95%CI(1.39,3.75)],individuals aged 50～<60 years[OR=2.08,95%CI(1.14,3.80)],low level of education[OR=1.99,95%CI(1.33,3.52)],low level of income[OR=2.26,95%CI(1.20,4.25)],exposure to household second-hand smoke[OR=1.58,95%CI(1.10,2.27)],those cooking for 1～2 h/d[OR=1.78,95%CI(1.12,2.82)]and individuals engaged in light physical labor[OR=1.55,95%CI(1.07,2.26)].Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings.Conclusion Elevated indoor PM2.5 exposure is associated with increased MetS risk in rural China,highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address household air pollution and improve indoor air quality.
Keywords：Metabolic syndromeParticulate matter 2.5Indoor air monitoringRural ChinaCross-sectional study
Publication Date：2025-12-25
Online Publishing Date：2026-01-16(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：11( 1387-1397 )