Underweight and its Associated Factors Among Adults with Mental Disorders Attending at Public Health Facilities in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Mental disorder illness seldom increases nutrient requirements, but there are many reasons for high incidence of poor nutrition among mentally ill patients. Despite the high burden of mental disorder and nutritional problems, little research has been done on prevalence and associated factors of nutritional status among mental disorder in Eastern Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess underweight status and associated factors among patients with mental disorder in Dire Dawa Health Facilities in 2023.

Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study design was used to assess the underweight status and associated factors among 364 randomly selected patients. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 24. Tables, chart graphs, and summary statistics were used to describe characteristics of sample data, while logistic regression was employed to assess factors associated with undernutrition among mental health disorder patients. Bivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent variables that should be incorporated in the multivariable logistic regression at p<0.25. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to see the effect of independent variables on dependent variable at p<0.05.

Results: Among 364 mental disorder patients, 26.6% (95%CI: 22.20%, 31.50%) of patients were underweight. In the multivariable analysis, being female [AOR = 3.56, 95%CI: 1.19, 7.61], Unable to read and write [AOR = 6.72, 95%CI: 4.74, 11.28], rural residence area [AOR = 3.99, 95%CI: 1.60, 6.63] and low dietary [AOR = 4.49, 95%CI: 2.01, 8.34 and severe sleeping problem [AOR = 10.04 = 95%CI: 2.07, 48.65] were significantly associated with underweight among mental disorder patients.

Conclusion: The prevalence of underweight among adults with mental disorder was found to be higher than the other studies. Prevention of mental disorders is recommended, particularly for those with underweight individuals, especially those from rural areas with severe sleeping problems, and promoting awareness on alcohol use prevention among these patients