Anthropometric and clinical correlates of physical activity in people with schizophrenia

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that impairs function and reduces physical activity, contributing to increased morbidity and premature mortality. This study examined sociodemographic, anthropometric, and clinical factors associated with physical activity in individuals with schizophrenia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Dawanau Psychiatric Hospital, Kano, with 65 purposively sampled participants. Physical activity levels (Low, Moderate, High) were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Symptom severity, cognitive function, and comorbidities were measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, and Functional Comorbidity Index. Data were analysed using Chi-square tests, Spearman’s correlation, and ordinal logistic regression in SPSS version 20 (α ≤ 0.05). Results: The mean age was 38.2 ± 10.7 years; 39 (60.0%) were male, and 33 (50.8%) had low physical activity levels. Significant associations were found between physical activity and gender (χ² = 8.000, p = 0.005), marital status (χ² = 8.400, p = 0.038), and age group (χ² = 6.120, p = 0.047). Ordinal logistic regression identified older age (OR = 0.809, p = 0.049), higher BMI (OR = 0.626, p = 0.030), and severe negative symptoms (OR = 0.313, p = 0.025) as significant negative predictors. Higher cognitive function was positively correlated with physical activity (ρ = 0.420, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Older age, higher BMI, and negative symptoms predict lower physical activity in individuals with schizophrenia, while higher cognitive function was associated with engagement.