Metabolic Syndrome and Lifestyle Factors in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Cross-Sectional Hospital-Based Study

Background: Patients with schizophrenia are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke which result in premature deaths. The increased prevalence of these risk factors can be attributed to several reasons such as physical inactivity, poor diet, substance use, and treatment with second-generation antipsychotics. There is a paucity of studies on metabolic syndrome and its association with lifestyle risk factors in Low and Middle Income Countries (LAMIC) nations. Aims: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome as per the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria and to assess association in relation to sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle-related variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. All consecutive patients with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia in the age group of 18-65 years were enrolled in the study after obtaining written informed consent. Statistical analysis was done using the software SPSS version 20. The demographic and clinical data are presented in frequencies, mean, and standard deviation. The Chi-square test was used to assess the significance of associations between categorical variables. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is 41% in patients with schizophrenia in urban hospital settings. Majority of patients reported low-moderate intensity physical activity, low fiber intake, and high fat intake. This study had shown a positive association of metabolic syndrome with female gender after adjusting other variables found in univariate analysis. Conclusions: The burden of cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with schizophrenia is quite high. There is a need for early screening and effective intervention to decrease morbidity and mortality in patients with schizophrenia.