Background:This study investigated the current status of metabolic syndrome among older adults and examined urban–rural disparities in health inequality in southern Taiwan.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years living in urban districts of Kaohsiung City and rural mountainous areas of Pingtung County. Field investigations collected demographic data and anthropometric measures (sex, age, occupation, height, weight, blood pressure, waist circumference), while fasting blood samples were obtained to assess glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Participants meeting the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome were identified for further comparison.Results:From September 17, 2022, to November 30, 2025, a total of 1,238 participants were enrolled (male: 508, 41.0%; female: 730, 59.0%; mean age 74.27 ± 6.8 years). Metabolic syndrome was present in 627 individuals (50.6%). Among those affected, 208 (33.2%) resided in urban areas and 419 (66.8%) in rural mountainous regions. Older adults living in rural areas exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome compared with their urban counterparts. Further analysis revealed that individuals with metabolic syndrome were more likely to frequently consume fried, pan-fried, or stir-fried foods (χ² = 16.0, p < 0.001).Conclusion: This four-year survey highlights a pronounced urban–rural disparity in metabolic syndrome among older adults in southern Taiwan, with rural residents showing a substantially higher risk. The findings suggest that unhealthy cooking practices may play a key role in the development of metabolic syndrome. strengthening nutritional education with lower dietary knowledge are recommended to reduce health inequality and prevent the onsetof metabolic syndrome.

Authors:
Jia-Yu Wei, Center for Teaching and Research, Cishan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan
Wan-Hsuan Huang, Center for Teaching and Research, Cishan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan
Sen-Jen Wang, Pingtung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan
Pi-Yu Hsu, Administrative Council for Institutions of Health and Social Welfare, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan
Yung-Hung Chen, Center for Teaching and Research, Cishan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan
Ming-Chih Chen, Office of the Superintendent, Cishan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
HHuang Wan-hsuan is currently a research assistant at the Teaching and Research Center of Qishan Hospital, Taiwan.Ministry of Health and Welfare, where she is researching metabolic syndrome in rural areas.

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