Published in PLOS One on 2026-08-13, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original study title: Prevalence, severity and predictors of Antipsychotic-Related Adverse Drug Reactions at the Psychiatry Clinic of a Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda
Original authors: John Martin Tumwebaza, Sarad Pawar Naik Bukke, Bayapa Reddy Narapureddy, Radiana Makuza Kabera, Joel Sebisaalu, Amina Abubakar, Patrick Muasya Kitheka, Godwin Nimusiima, Awad Osman Abdalla Mohamed, Moses Muwanguzi, Scholastic Ashaba, Tadele Mekuriya Yadesa
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0356000
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are associated with hospitalization, increased healthcare cost, morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, severity and associated factors of ADRs among patients taking antipsychotics at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH).
A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients taking antipsychotics at the psychiatric clinic from March to May 2025. Consecutive sampling was employed whereby all eligible patients attending the psychiatric clinic during the study period were recruited until the required sample size was attained. All patients aged 18 years and above, diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, and who had received an antipsychotic for at least the previous one month were interviewed. STATA version 17 was used for statistical data analysis. Descriptive statistics were presented as mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile ranges. ADRs were analyzed for severity using the modified Hartwig and Siegel scale. We run multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine factors associated with ADRs.
A total of 415 participants were included in the study with a mean age of 38. Fifteen ADRs were commonly reported among patients taking antipsychotics. More than half of the participants (256/415, 61.70%) experienced at least one ADR, with sedation being the most frequent (31.3%). Of the reported ADRs, 12/15 (80%) were moderate in severity. Separation from spouses (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI [1.08–3.77], p = 0.029), diagnosed with bipolar disorder (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI [1.07–4.07], p = 0.031), and co-administering both IM & oral antipsychotic (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI [1.03–3.70], p = 0.041) were significantly associated with ADRs.
The current study showed that over 6 in 10 participants taking antipsychotics experienced at least one ADR, the majority of which were moderate in severity. Separation from a spouse, bipolar disorder, concomitant use of oral and intramascular antipsychotics were independently associated with ADRs. These findings highlight the need for strengthen monitoring and preventive strategies, particularly among high-risk patients taking antipsychotics. Integration of clinical pharmacists into the psychiatry care teams may further enhance ADR detection, monitoring and management.
Introduction
Psychosis is a clinical syndrome characterized by hallucinations, delusions, grossly disorganized behavior and disorganized speech [1]. Globally, the prevalence of psychosis has been increasing by over 65% from 1990–2019 [2]. In sub-Saharan Africa, a scooping review revealed that the lifetime prevalence of psychosis varies from 1.0% to 4.4% [3]. In Uganda, a retrospective study carried out in Butabika National Referral Hospital (BNRH) in 2018, showed a prevalence of psychosis at 62.7% [4]. Patients with psychosis require antipsychotic medications to manage their symptoms and restore their functionality.
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 John Martin Tumwebaza, Sarad Pawar Naik Bukke, Bayapa Reddy Narapureddy, Radiana Makuza Kabera, Joel Sebisaalu, Amina Abubakar, Patrick Muasya Kitheka, Godwin Nimusiima, Awad Osman Abdalla Mohamed, Moses Muwanguzi, Scholastic Ashaba, Tadele Mekuriya Yadesa. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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