[Comorbidity schizophrenia and diabetes mellitus in Algeria - A study of risk factors].

BACKGROUND

The combination of schizophrenia and diabetes mellitus presents a public health problem in the world. Several studies have been carried out for the analysis of this comorbidity, including prognostic factors.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study is to determine the risk factors associated with the comorbidity schizophrenia and diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

From a sample of 200 cases of schizophrenic patients hospitalized at the Sidi Chami psychiatric hospital of Oran in Algeria, we carried out a descriptive transversal and analytical study during the period of one year.

RESULTS

Our results are consistent with those of the different studies carried out in neighboring countries. Among the risk factors recorded in our study, we mention the age of 40 and over, divorce, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, overweight and severe and moderate obesity, the age of schizophrenia of 30 to 40 years, the first-generation neuroleptic treatment and family history related to diabetes. While the male sex, celibacy and second-generation neuroleptics were found in the study as protective factors against the onset of diabetes mellitus in schizophrenic patients.

CONCLUSION

The factors associated with comorbidity schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes are manifold. These factors must be taken into account when introducing preventive behaviors that must be multidisciplinary in order to ensure better patient care.