Is the Factor Structure of the Metabolic Syndrome Comparable Between Men and Women and Across Three Ethnic Groups: The Miami Community Health Study

Purpose The metabolic syndrome (MS) is conceived as a cluster of disorders that increase risk for coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Studies examining its structure primarily have used an exploratory factor analytic technique, but yielded discrepant results. There also is a lack of research that investigates whether the clustering pattern is similar across sex and ethnic groups. This study uses confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the factor structure of the MS and examines its similarity between men and women and across three ethnic groups (Caucasian, African, and Cuban Americans). Method A hierarchical four-factor model with an overarching MS factor uniting insulin resistance, obesity, lipid, and blood pressure factors was tested with 517 individuals from the Miami Community Health Study. Results Findings show that the proposed structure was well supported (comparative fit index = 0.97) and similar between men and women and across ethnic groups. The MS was represented strongly by insulin resistance, followed by obesity, lipid factors, and, to a lesser extent, a blood pressure factor. Conclusions This study provides empirical support for identifying and diagnosing the MS by its component factors in a diverse population.