Walking together: Exploring perspectives, attitudes, and barriers on nutrition and exercise among individuals with serious mental illness

Modifiable risk factors related to lifestyle choices contribute to the disproportionate impact of poor physical health among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). This mixed methods study sought to elucidate factors that promote and challenge healthy lifestyle engagement. Focus groups were...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current psychology (New Brunswick, N.J.) N.J.), 2023-02, Vol.42 (4), p.2769-2774
Main Authors: Cheung, Amy, Cui, Zilin, Hamada, Kareem, Selland, Jennifer, Chiang, Mathew, Fan, Xiaoduo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitudes
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Bipolar disorder
Eating behavior
Education
Exercise
Focus groups
Group homes
Health aspects
Health attitudes
Health behavior
Lifestyles
Mental disorders
Mentally ill
Nutrition
Physical fitness
Psychology
Schizophrenia
Social science research
Social Sciences
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Summary:Modifiable risk factors related to lifestyle choices contribute to the disproportionate impact of poor physical health among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). This mixed methods study sought to elucidate factors that promote and challenge healthy lifestyle engagement. Focus groups were conducted to assess the lived perspectives of twelve individuals with SMI living independently in the community or utilizing group housing about their dietary and exercise habits. A survey was administered pre-focus group to explore participant views on and motivations for healthier living. Three major themes emerged based on focus group discussion: Meaning of Healthy Living, Obstacles to Maintaining Good Health, and Importance of Community. Overall, participants demonstrated positive attitudes and readiness for healthy lifestyle changes. Healthy lifestyle interventions with careful consideration of determinants related to health disparities and existing community resources to support such activities are recommended to improve physical health in people with SMI.
ISSN:1046-1310
1936-4733
DOI:10.1007/s12144-021-01630-w