Sociodemographic profile of metabolic syndrome in patients treated with antipsychotic drugs: A tertiary hospital-based cross-sectional study from the eastern region of Nepal

Background The Nepalese population is diverse in castes and ethnicities and rich in cultural traditions with varying lifestyles. Antipsychotic medications significantly increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) in all ages, sexes, and backgrounds, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and action. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and association of clinicodemographic factors, physical activity, and food intake frequency with MetS in patients treated with antipsychotic drugs in Nepal. Methods This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 286 patients who had been receiving antipsychotic drugs for more than three months. Patients with MetS were identified according to the modified South Asian NCEP criteria. Physical activity levels were measured using the WHO Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), and food intake frequency was measured using a food frequency questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the χ2 test for categorical variables, the Student’s t-test for continuous variables, and the Mann-Whitney U test for median independent samples. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of MetS. Results The total prevalence rate of MetS was 52.4%, with prevalence rates of 50.7% among males and 54.1% among females. The predictors of MetS were overweight BMI (AOR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.32-5.88, p = 0.007), Teari Madhesi ethnicity (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.17-0.92, p = 0.031), high physical activities (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.14-0.86, p = 0.022), three or more whole meals intake per day (p < 0.001), self-perceived increased meal intake (AOR = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.27-5.40, p = 0.009), breakfast three or more times intake (p = 0.036), and daily salty food intake (AOR = 3.87, 95% CI = 1.11-13.52, p = 0.034). Conclusions More than half of the patients on antipsychotic medication had MetS. Different clinicodemographic factors, such as age, ethnicity, BMI, disease relapse, disease duration, duration of treatment, and lifestyle factors such as physical activity and frequency of meals, breakfast, and salty food intake, were statistically significantly associated with MetS. Therefore, healthcare providers should focus on regular metabolic screenings, personalised treatment, and lifestyle modification education to reduce these risks of MetS. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.