<![CDATA[Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic disorders, including central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. In Indonesia, the prevalence of central obesity is 35.4%, hypertension 34.1%, and elevated total cholesterol 28.7%. Fishermen and oil palm farmers are at risk of MetS due to lifestyle changes and reduced physical activity. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the association between physical activity and MetS among married couples in fishing and oil palm farming communities. Methods: This case-control study involved 240 participants (120 couples) from two districts in Aceh, Indonesia. MetS was defined according to IDF criteria. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Sociodemographic and metabolic data were collected through interviews and clinical examinations. Analyses included chi-square, independent t-test, and binary logistic regression adjusted for age, income, and household size. Results: Occupational and domestic activities were significantly associated with reduced MetS risk in farmers. Moderate occupational activity lowered the risk by 91% (OR=0.009; 95% CI: 0.000–0.429), while high activity reduced risk by 91.3% (OR=0.087; 95% CI: 0.109–14.319). Moderate (OR=0.213; p-value=0.043) and high domestic activity (OR=0.198; p-value=0.038) were also protective. Total activity and daily MET scores were significantly associated with MetS (p-value<0.05). No significant association was observed in fishing communities. Conclusions: Occupational and domestic activities protect against MetS in oil palm farmers but not in fishermen. Strategies to promote physical activity should be adapted to community characteristics.]]>
