Title
Mental health and physical activity engagement/beliefs
Research Area
Health
Author
Janney, C A et al; General Hospital Psychiatry
Summary of Findings
This study looked into the beliefs, barriers and preferences of mental health outpatient service users, in specific reference to physical activity. Data was collected by approaching people who were waiting for outpatient mental health appointments and completing a survey. Further information was also collected from the outpatient discussions with mental health providers.
84% of those who completed the survey reported a link between physical activity and their mood or anxiety levels. 85% wanted to be more active but 52% felt that their mood limited their involvement in physical activity. Less than half those asked met the guidelines of 150 minutes of physical activity a week while 37% reported their mental health providers regularly discussed physical activity with them.
The researchers concluded that most mental health outpatients may need and want assistance in increasing activity levels and suggested that patient-centred research could inform the development of activity programmes in mental health settings.
Implications
Evidence that many of those with mental health conditions believe physical activity would be beneficial and would like to be more active. The research provides Initial thoughts on how physical activity referrals could be included and the barriers to this. With social prescribing now a key facet of integrated care, providing referral opportunities that meet the needs of people with a number of different conditions and raising the awareness of activity as an option for health care professionals is key.
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