Abstract
Correlation of Serum Vitamin D Levels with Cognitive Function in Schizophrenic Patients
Author(s): Adam Daiva, Widodo Sarjana*, Alifiati Fitrikasari, Noor Wijayahadi and Sri WoroasihIntroduction: Mental health problems, like schizophrenia, have been very prevalent in the 21st century. Over the year, especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, its cases have been continuously increasing. The pandemic also keeps people from going outside, preventing them from getting enough sunlight exposure. This results in low level of Vitamin D. Interestingly, several studies also have shown that patients with schizophrenia generally have low Vitamin D. Other studies have also found that Vitamin D could have a significant role on the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This study aimed to determine the correlation between Vitamin D level and cognitive function of schizophrenic patient.
Material and Methods: The study was conducted at Dr. Amino Gondohutomo Regional Psychiatric Hospital. It was conducted with a cross-sectional method. Schizophrenic patients that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected with consecutive sampling method. The patient then underwent cognitive test with Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Indonesia questionnaire to assess their cognitive function and blood work to determine their Vitamin D level.
Results: Of the 18 respondents who were selected as research subjects, the average score of cognitive function was at a low level of 15.72 out of 30. Compared with other domains, memory domain has the lowest average score. The average Vitamin D level was also deficient at only 16.3 ng/dL.
Conclusions: The correlation between Vitamin D level and cognitive function of patient with schizophrenia is significant (p=0.039). The correlation is positive with moderate strength (r=0.49).