Health behaviours of community-treated patients with psychosis

Abstract

Objective: To assess physical health self-reports and health utilization behaviours of community dwelling persons with persistent psychosis. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 106 patients with persistent psychosis. Using self-reported measures, the prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumption and exercise, and body mass index were determined. Health utilization behaviour, especially with respect to general practice, was assessed. Data was compared with that derived from the general population and longitudinally with a historical cohort. Results: Compared with the general population, those with psychosis were more likely to be smokers, overweight or obese, and less likely to be non/ex-smokers. Compared with previous studies, smoking and obesity persisted as major modifiable risk factors. Over 7 years, some risks such as smoking increased, whereas moderating factors such as light exercise, improved. Three-quarters of patients would visit their GP if they had a physical illness but a third reported not having visited their GP or other doctor in the previous 12 months. Conclusions: Patients with persistent psychosis have increased rates of cardiometabolic risk yet seek medical attention infrequently. These findings have not improved despite an increased awareness of the enhanced risk of developing metabolic disease in this group.