Reducing cardiovascular risk in non-selected outpatients with schizophrenia: A 2.5-year programme conducted in a real-life setting

Abstract

Introduction

Patients with schizophrenia have increased somatic morbidity and increased mortality. Knowledge of how to integrate prevention and care of somatic illnesses into the treatment of psychiatric patients is required.

Objectives

Forty-seven patients diagnosed with schizophrenia participated in the programme (mean age: 33.3 years, SD: 11.9).

Aims

To investigate whether a 2.5-year interventional programme to improve physical health is effective.

Method

The intervention consisted of health promotion activities focusing on the patients’ health, not their diseases. The patients’ physical health parameters were intensely monitored and each patient received individual guidance on healthy food and on how to live a physically active life.

Results

Extensive problems with obesity, especially among the women, were observed, and low level of physical activity among the patients was demonstrated. The included patients were in a high risk of developing cardio vascular diseases and diabetes type 2. The main outcomes were reduction in waist circumferences and in consumption of soft drinks and an increase in coffee drinking. Furthermore, an increase in time spent on moderate and light physical activities was observed. The patients showed great interest in the programme, and it was unproblematic getting the patients to participate in the entire programme. Moreover, they willingly followed the health guidance and achieved a healthier life.

Conclusions

The intervention seems relevant and manageable in an outpatient setting. The results are promising in the ongoing process of improving physical health among patients with schizophrenia. We recommend implementation of the programme in daily practice.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.