Metabolic syndrome and the risk of consuming street food among commercial taxi drivers in South Africa. A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Minibus taxi drivers in South Africa are eminent street food (SF) consumers with these affordable foods easily accessible at taxi ranks. Regular SF consumption, in combination, with unhealthy lifestyles associated with taxi driving, predisposes them to develop metabolic syndrome (MetS). Detecting the early onset of MetS allows for early intervention, which may slow the progression to various health consequences. The primary aim of the thesis was to describe the prevalence, extent, and determinants of MetS among male minibus taxi drivers, 20 years and older operating in the Cape Town metropole who rely on SF for their daily calorie and nutrient intake. A secondary aim was to use these outcomes to develop recommendations for targeted interventions to improve their health status and lifestyle.