Prevalence of physical illnesses and lifestyle factors among severely mentally ill in a community

ABSTRACT

Physical health issues are frequent and often inadequately addressed in individuals with severe mental illness (PWSMI) because of several lifestyle influences. Hence to screen and estimate the prevalence of physical disorders and lifestyle factors like physical activities among community-dwelling mentally ill (PWSMI) a door-to-door survey was conducted in the catchment area of a Primary Health Center. A total of 71 participants with SMI were screened and diagnosed with severe mental illness. They were evaluated for comorbid physical illnesses and lifestyle factors like substance use and the extent of daily physical activity (work, recreation, remaining idle).The prevalence of diabetes and hypertension was 38.5% each, while that of tobacco and alcohol use was 24.3% and 21.1% respectively. Only 22.8% reported work-related physical activity, and 7% reported recreational physical activities. Physical illnesses are common, while physical activity is restricted in people with severe mental illness.