What factors affect the lifestyle choices of people with schizophrenia?

People who have schizophrenia have higher rates of morbidity and mortality and a shorter life expectancy partly due to less healthy lifestyle choices such as a diet lacking in fruit and vegetables and lack of exercise. This study attempts to improve our understanding about the factors that affect lifestyle choices in this group of people. This is a qualitative study in which seven people with schizophrenia were interviewed using semi‐structured interviews about their lifestyle, including their diet and exercise, and they were encouraged to talk about the various factors that might influence their decisions and behaviour with respect to these. The interviews were tape recorded, transcribed and then independently analysed by five analysts looking for themes. The themes were then cross‐referenced by the interviewer looking for common themes. Four common themes were identified and were grouped as lack of motivation, psychotic symptoms, lack of physical health‐related knowledge and side effects to medication. This study suggests that a holistic approach needs to be taken when considering physical health in these patients, and that physical health promotion and education should go hand in hand with physical health monitoring.