Recruitment and randomization
metabolic syndrome
METABOLIC SYNDROME
One-hundred and sixty women were screened initially, 55 without metabolic syndrome were excluded, two declined. The four community units with 103 women were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control arm by drawing lots enclosed in sealed opaque envelopes. Each arm consisted of two community units. Two participants were lost in each arm during the follow-up because of moving or loss of contact. Ninety-nine participants, 51 in the intervention arm and 48 in the control arm, completed the study. The retention rate was 96.2% for the intervention arm and 96.0% for the control arm. The principal investigator, enrolled and assigned participants in random order to study arms. We received no complaints of related discomfort or injuries from the participants. The study design flowchart is shown in Fig. Study design flowchart.