Monitoring Metabolic Syndrome in Veterans with Serious Mental Illness
Author Information
Author(s): Khatana Sameed Ahmed M., Kane Joshua, Taveira Tracey H., Bauer Mark S., Wu Wen-Chih
Primary Institution: Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Hypothesis
The study examines the monitoring and prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with serious mental illness, including those not using second generation antipsychotics.
Conclusion
Only half of patients with serious mental illness not using SGAs or previously diagnosed with hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were completely monitored for metabolic syndrome components.
Supporting Evidence
- 21.4% of patients were incompletely monitored for metabolic syndrome.
- Only 54.8% of patients not prescribed SGAs were monitored for all components.
- The age-adjusted prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 48.4% among those monitored.
Takeaway
This study found that many veterans with serious mental illness are not being checked for health problems related to heart disease, even though they are at high risk.
Methodology
The study used a retrospective analysis of patient data from a Veterans Affairs Medical Center to assess monitoring rates and prevalence of metabolic syndrome.
Potential Biases
The study may not account for monitoring done at non-VA facilities, potentially underestimating the true monitoring rates.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions, and the sample consists mainly of male veterans, which may not represent the broader population.
Participant Demographics
The study included 1401 veterans, predominantly male, with diagnoses of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website