Background: People with schizophrenia (PwS) are more likely to have obesity and engage in health risk behaviors than the general population. Metabolic dysregulation during treatment with some antipsychotic medications includes, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia, support a link between treatment and physical co - morbidities.
Objectives: The study aimed to explore the nutritional status and exercise behavior in out- patients with schizophrenia as well as the facilitators and barriers for adhering to a healthy lifestyle.
Materials &Methods: Mixed methodology - quantitative and qualitative approach was adopted to assess the nutritional status and exercise behavior of PwS as well as the facilitators and barriers for adhering to a healthy lifestyle. A cross sectional study of persons with schizophrenia (n=115) attending outpatient services was undertaken. PwS were selected by random sampling. Socio-demographic profile, SAPS, SANS, HMSE were used to assess for psychotic and cognitive symptoms. Biochemical (FBS, lipid profile, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, physical activity (IPAQ)) and anthropometric parameters (BMI) were assessed to explore the nutritional status and exercise behaviour.
Results: Persons with schizophrenia were more likely to report sub-optimal level of nutritional status (AG ratio-1 Conclusion: The findings can contribute towards identifying strategies to screen people with schizophrenia using simple tests so that early treatment is initiated. Mental health nurses should screen persons with schizophrenia for metabolic syndrome and counsel regarding healthy lifestyle as primary prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).