EPV1304 - Metabolic syndrome among Tunisian psychiatric patients receiving antipsychotics: Prevalence and associated factors

EPV1304

Metabolic syndrome among Tunisian psychiatric patients receiving antipsychotics: Prevalence and associated factors

Y. Ben Othmene ¹, A. Aissa ^1,*, S. Aouadi ¹, M. Gardabou ², R. Hosni ¹, A. Ouertani ¹, R. Jomli ¹

¹Avicenne psychiatry department, ²Outpatient department, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia

 

Introduction: Psychiatric patients have a higher mortality rate than the general population, predominantly from cardiovascular disease associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

This problem arises from combined genetic, biological, behavioral and iatrogenic factors. 

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS among Tunisian psychiatric patients treated with antipsychotics and its associated factors. 

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study, conducted between January and June 2025, involving Tunisian psychiatric patients at the Avicenne Psychiatry Department of Razi Hospital. Data were collected using a file and two Arabic-translated questionnaires: 

The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ): categorizing physical activity into: Inactive, Minimally active and HEPA-active. 

The Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS): with two categories: moderate to weak adherence ≤7; good to very good adherence ≥8. 

MetS was defined according to NCEP ATP III criteria. 

 

Results: Fifty-two patients were included with 71% being male. Their mean age was 38 [19-62] years. Overall, 69% were single, 23% married and 8% separated. Most participants (79%) had not completed secondary education and 63% were professionally inactive. Smoking was prevalent among 75% of the participants while 8% reported alcohol consumption.  

The majority (77%) had no underlying medical conditions. Psychiatric diagnoses included schizophrenia (42%), bipolar I disorder (35%), bipolar II disorder (4%), schizoaffective disorder (13%) and other psychiatric conditions. Most patients (73%) were on atypical antipsychotics and 17% received concurrent typical and atypical agents. Among those on atypical antipsychotics, 62% were prescribed olanzapine or clozapine.  

Good adherence to the Mediterranean diet was observed in 40% of participants.

Regarding physical activity, 38% were inactive, 31% minimally active and 31% HEPA-active. 

Thirty–eight percent met the criteria for MetS. 

A higher body-mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with the presence of MetS (p=0.014).

Longer exposure to antipsychotic medication was also associated with MetS but this was not statistically significant when adjusted for BMI.

No protective factors were identified. 

Conclusions: This study showed that higher body-mass index was significantly associated with MetS, while neither Mediterranean diet nor physical activity showed a protective association. 

These findings highlight the importance of careful monitoring of antipsychotic treatment and the implementation of weight management strategies in psychiatric care. 

 

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared