Metabolic syndrome among patients with severe mental illness attending a tertiary hospital in northwestern, Tanzania: A cross sectional study

Patients with severe mental illness exhibit a significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome, with a risk approximately two times greater than that of the general population. This elevated risk may be attributed to factors such as the mental illness itself, the use of psychotropic medications, obesity, high-fat diets, low levels of physical activity, and smoking. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its associated factors among patients with severe mental illness attending Bugando Medical Centre [BMC] in Mwanza, Tanzania. This cross-sectional study included adults aged 18 years and above who attended the psychiatric clinic at BMC. Systematic random sampling was used. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 17. Ethical approval was granted by the Institutional Review Board of MUHAS. In addition, permission to conduct the study was granted by the Director General of BMC, and written informed consent was obtained from all participating patients. A total of 305 patients participated in the study, with a mean age of 38.5 ± 14.2 years (range: 18-90 years). More than half of the participants [58.7%] were male. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was identified in 33.1% of the participants. Increasing age was significantly associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS); participants aged ≥45 years had fivefold higher odds of having metabolic syndrome (MetS) compared with those aged 18-24 years [AOR 5.15, 95%CI: 1.55 - 17.16; P ≤ 0.008]. Three out of ten participants with severe mental illness were found to have metabolic syndrome, indicating a relatively high prevalence in this population. Increasing age was significantly associated with the precence of metabolic syndrome. Routine and frequent screening measures should be emphasized for the aging population with severe mental illness. A multi-disciplinary approach is essential to ensure comprehensive and holistic management.