Chronic Illness, Ahead of Print.
ObjectivesMetabolic syndrome (MetS) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are associated with a higher risk of impaired pulmonary function (iPF). This study aimed to investigate the relationships among MetS, iPF, and viral hepatitis.MethodsThis community-based study enrolled participants undergoing annual health check-ups in southern Taiwan between March and December 2019. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for demographics and characteristics to identify the factors associated with iPF.ResultsA total of 2337 participants completed examinations, of whom 928 (39.7%) had iPF. The participants with iPF were elderly (68.8 ± 12.8 years old) and predominately female (63%). MetS increased the risk of iPF (odds ratio (OR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27–1.81, p < 0.001). Beyond age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.04) and smoking (OR 1.309, 95% CI 1.004–1.705), female sex (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59–0.93) and high education level (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.98, p < 0.001) protected against iPF. HCV was not significantly associated with iPF (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.90–1.52, p = 0.235) in multivariable analysis. MetS was associated with a higher risk of iPF in the non-HBV/HCV group (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.54–2.26) and HBV alone group (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.89–6.28), but not in the HCV alone group (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.64–1.62).DiscussionMetS was an independent predictor of iPF, especially the restrictive type, and had different effects in the HBV/non-viral hepatitis and HCV groups. Female sex and education were inversely associated with iPF.