Metabolic Syndrome Screening as a Prevention of Sudden Death among the Catholic Church Community

The elderly population is often associated with various comorbidities, including metabolic syndrome, which significantly increases the risk of sudden death. The Catholic Church, through its Elderly Commission, plays a vital role in fostering the well-being of elderly congregants by promoting Christian values and enhancing their physical, mental, and spiritual health as individuals, family members, and community contributors. This community service at St. John Paul II Chapel was executed on September 1, 2024, employing a participatory action research methodology to improve the quality of life within the community and support government health programs, particularly in preventive medicine related to metabolic syndrome. Key activities included anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat percentage) and screenings for blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels using standardized medical equipment. Additionally, personalized prevention education and consultations with medical professionals were provided following the health assessments. 68 participants were involved, with a mean age of 41.96 years. Women comprised 57.4% of the group. The prevalence of obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia was 45.6 %.1%, 1.5%, and 73.5%, respectively. The participants' knowledge of metabolic syndrome scored an average of 86.47 points, with the highest awareness in risk factors (97 points). These findings highlight the need for improved health management to mitigate the risks and complications of metabolic syndrome. Strengthening preventive measures and promoting community-based health interventions are essential in addressing this critical public health challenge.