• Mette Vinther Hansen, Peter Hjorth, Christina Blanner Kristiansen, Kirsten Vandborg, Lea Nørgaard Gustafsson, and Povl Munk-Jørgensen.
• Department of Organic Psychiatric Disorders and Emergency Ward (Dept. M), Aarhus University Hospital Risskov, Risskov, Denmark Mettevhansen@gmail.com.
• Int J Soc Psychiatry. 2016 Jun 1; 62 (4): 369-76.

ObjectivesCardiovascular diseases are the most common causes of premature death in patients with schizophrenia. We aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk factors in non-selected outpatients with schizophrenia using methods proven effective in short-term trials. Furthermore, we examined whether any baseline characteristics were associated with positive outcomes.MethodsAll outpatients treated for schizophrenia at two Danish hospitals were included in this 1-year follow-up study. The patients were offered health interventions both individually and in groups. Weight, waist circumference, blood glucose, serum lipids, and information on smoking and alcohol were obtained.ResultsOn average, small significant increases in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumferences were observed while small non-significant improvements in other cardiovascular risk factors were seen. Patients with high baseline BMI and patients with duration of treated illness beyond 2 years had significantly better intervention outcomes.ConclusionsOur results show that it was difficult to improve physical health in a group of non-selected patients with schizophrenia as part of routine care. The patients were not easily motivated to participate in the interventions, and it was difficult to monitor the recommended metabolic risk measures in the patient group. Future research should focus on simple strategies in health promotion that can be integrated into routine care.© The Author(s) 2016.

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