Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) among community dwelling persons with schizophrenia and its relevant factors. Subjects were adults with schizophrenia regularly receiving treatment at A-hospital psychiatric out-patient clinic. Inclusion criteria for participation were: age 18 years or older; disease category F20-F29 based on ICD-10 diagnostic criteria; and able to answer the questionnaire with support. To assess metabolic syndrome status, blood samples and body measurements were obtained at the clinic. Physicians provided information about psychiatric symptoms of a 1-100 point scale based on DSM-IV Japanese version and medications. To assess both daily activities such as those related to housekeeping and physical activity related to exercise. t-test, chisquare test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to describe the results. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS (ver. 15.0). Usable data were provided by 191 men and 144 women (mean 43.8 and 44.6 years). According to the 2005 Japanese diagnostic criteria for MS, it was clinically very significant that MS was more prevalent among community dwelling persons with schizophrenia (22.1%; men 27.2% and women 15.3%) than in the general public in Japan (7.8%; men 12.1% and women 1.7%). Logistic regression analysis with MS as a binary variable identified the following factors as related to MS for the total and the men's sample: high body mass index and smoking; however, washing showed a statistically significant negative association to MS. Among women body mass index was strongly related to MS; however, taking resperidone showed a statistically significant negative association to MS. The data from this study provided evidence that decrease visceral obesity, promote engaging in domestic duties, reduce smoking, and regular monitoring of metabolic risks associated with antipsychotic treatment.
