Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess and compare the incidence and specific indicators of metabolic syndrome among Taiwanese, Hakka and aboriginals. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design with non-random purposive sampling. A total of 493 effective samples were collected from Taiwanese, Hakka, and aboriginal group between April 18(superscript th), 2006, and July 15(superscript th), 2006. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the guidelines of the Department of Health (2006). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 13.0. Results: Metabolic syndrome was identified in significantly more individuals in the aboriginal group (83.3%) than in the Taiwanese (46.4%) or Hakka (40.6%) groups (p＜.001). Both men and women showed significant differences in hyperglycemia, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and incidence of metabolic syndrome between different ethnic groups. After adjusting for gender, age, and body mass index, the aboriginal group had the highest risk for metabolic syndrome. This aboriginal risk was 2.08 times (95% CI=0.65~6.63) and 10.45 times (95% CI=3.79~28.79) greater than the Hakka descendents in males and females, respectively. Conclusions: This study revealed that the aboriginal group had a considerably higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome than the Taiwanese and Hakka groups. The aboriginals included in this study resided in Wu-tai Township and Mudan Township in mountainous areas of Pingtung County, where medical services were relatively scarce. Lifestyle differences and a relative lack of medical services may contribute to the increased incidence of metabolic syndrome in aboriginals.

族群 ； 代謝症候群 ； 中老年人

ethnic, metabolic syndrome, middle-aged and elderly population