The physical health of people with schizophrenia in Asia: Baseline findings from a physical health check programme

Introduction People with schizophrenia have worse physical health than the general population, and studies in developed countries demonstrate that their health behaviours are often undesirable. However, as no similar studies have been conducted in Asian countries with emerging healthcare systems, the physical health promotion challenges in these settings is unknown. 

Aim To identify and explore relationships between cardiometabolic health risks, lifestyle and treatment characteristics in people with schizophrenia in Thailand. 

Method This cross-sectional study reports the baseline findings from a physical health check programme using the Thai version of the Health Improvement Profile. 

Results Despite desirable levels of exercise and relatively good diets being reported by most of the 105 service users, unhealthy body mass index values were observed in 44% of participants. A BMI>23 kg/m² and central obesity was found to be most likely in women. Being prescribed antipsychotic polypharmacy was significantly associated with a higher BMI than in people prescribed monotherapy. 

Implications for Practice Mental health professionals in Asia should be aware of the additional risks of obesity that are associated with antipsychotic polypharmacy and may benefit from additional training in order that they may advocate for service users within medication reviews to minimize the potential iatrogenic effects of treatment.