Multiethnic community cardio-metabolic risk factor screening in Northeast Florida: The VIDASANA Project

Background Cardiometabolic risk disproportionately affects racially and ethnically diverse United States populations. Few community-based studies have examined the intersection of metabolic syndrome (MS), functional capacity, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk across multiple groups within a single region. Objective To evaluate MS prevalence, functional capacity, and 10-year CVD risk in adults from diverse communities in Northeast Florida. Methods A total of 345 adults were screened between 2017 and 2019 in a community-based, cross-sectional study. MS was defined by Adult Treatment Panel III criteria (≥3 of 5 thresholds). Functional capacity and 10-year CVD risk were assessed using Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), and Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Group differences were evaluated using appropriate univariate tests, and multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of MS ( p < 0.05). Results MS prevalence was highest among Hispanic (H) subjects (47%), followed by non-Hispanic Black (NHB, 35%) and Southeast Asian participants (SEA, 33%). Adjusted odds of MS were higher in H (OR 7.3, 95% CI 1.8–28.6) and SEA participants (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.2–22.2) compared to non-Hispanic White (NHW) subjects. DASI scores were significantly lower in women and minority (H and SEA) populations. MS further reduced functional capacity in H ( p = 0.011) and SEA participants ( p = 0.038). Median FRS differed by race/ethnicity ( p = 0.0013); with NHB subjects showing the highest median risk (9.75%). Conclusions This study identified marked disparities in MS prevalence, functional capacity, and cardiovascular risk across racial and ethnic groups with greater burden among minoritized populations across all domains. Findings support the need for more inclusive, culturally informed prevention strategies for diverse populations.