Evaluation of two single-factor models of metabolic syndrome: A confirmatory factor analysis for an adult population in Beijing

Background: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome is high and increasing in China. The causation of this disorder is, yet, to be fully understood. Several studies with confirmatory factor analysis have been performed to investigate the core of the disease in some races other than Chinese, and amongst the other studies, they have yielded a sound model fit. This study was to evaluate and compare two single-factor models of the underlying factor structure of metabolic syndrome in a Chinese population using confirmatory factor analysis. Results: Findings showed that in a Chinese sample of 7,472 individuals, Model 1 (with waist circumference, triglycerides/HDL-C ratio, fasting plasma glucose and mean artery pressure) yielded good level of fitness (SRMR < 0.08, CFI > 0.96 and RMSEA < 0.10) in men and women of all age groups; and Model 2 (with waist circumference, triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose and systolic blood pressure) fitted well in men aged 18-34 and over 60 and in all women, except in men of 35-59 (RMSEA = 0.142). In comparison, Model 2 were shown to be better fit (with relative larger GFI and smaller AIC, BIC, CAIC, and EVIC) in women of all age groups and in men of 18-34 and over 60 years old; Model 1 had a better fit in men between 35 and 59. Conclusions: This study suggests that the single-factor model of metabolic syndrome with waist circumference, triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose and systolic blood pressure are plausible in women of all age groups and young and senior men in Beijing. The model with waist circumference, triglycerides/HDL-C ratio, fasting plasma glucose and mean artery pressure fits middle-aged men.