# The Relationship Between Metabolic Syndrome Awareness and Perception of Health in Exercise Participants: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study finds that people who exercise have moderate knowledge about metabolic syndrome and perceive their health moderately, with some factors like tracking steps or calories improving awareness and health perception.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific behavioral and demographic factors influencing metabolic syndrome awareness and health perception among fitness participants.

## Key findings

- Metabolic syndrome knowledge and health perception levels are moderate among fitness participants.
- A weak but significant positive relationship exists between metabolic syndrome awareness and health perception.
- Tracking daily steps and calories, along with chronic disease knowledge, correlates with higher awareness and health perception.

## Abstract

Background and Objectives: The level of knowledge and awareness individuals have about diseases, as well as their health perceptions, can influence healthy lifestyle behaviors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness about metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the level of health perception, as well as to investigate the relationship between MetS knowledge and awareness and health perceptions. Materials and Methods: This research study was carried out using a cross-sectional survey model. The study group consisted of a total of 446 participants, including 328 men and 118 women, with an average age of 27.10 ± 8.86 years. In this study, the Metabolic Syndrome Knowledge and Awareness Scale (MSKAS) was used to assess metabolic syndrome awareness, and the Perception of Health Scale (PHS) was used to assess the perception of health. Results: The MetS knowledge and awareness level and the health perception of individuals attending sports centers are at a moderate level, and a weak but significant positive relationship has been found between MetS knowledge and awareness and health perception. Moreover, MSKAS scores were higher in women (p < 0.05). Participants who were knowledgeable about chronic diseases had higher MSKAS and PHS scores (p < 0.05). Those with a family history of chronic disease had higher PHS scores (p < 0.05). Participants who tracked their daily caloric intake had higher PHS scores (p < 0.05). Additionally, those who monitored their daily step count had higher MSKAS and PHS scores (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that the levels of MetS knowledge and awareness, as well as health perception, may vary depending on various individual and behavioral factors among individuals attending fitness centers.