Physical health indicators in major mental illness: data from the Quality and Outcome Framework in the UK

The physical health outcomes of people with mental illness are significantly poorer compared to the normal population. The aims of this study were to (i) assess the feasibility and outcomes of a 12-week healthy living programme piloted in a community adult mental health setting and (ii) assess the lead author’s research and evaluation competency as part of the conditions of the Psychology Supervised Practice Programme. Participants were referred to the programme to learn and develop healthy living skills, assist in weight management, and enhance emotional wellbeing. The programme included weekly educational sessions followed by an activity related to the education for 3-4 hours, between June-September 2010. The programme facilitators completed assessments with participants at Week 1 (baseline) and Week 12 (graduation) including; demographic and physical health indicators (e.g. weight, BMI, blood pressure), psychological wellbeing and overall satisfaction with programme. Seventeen participants commenced the healthy living programme pilot. There was an average weekly attendance of eleven people and nine graduated at Week 12. No meaningful change in physical health or psychological wellbeing could be determined from the measurements at 12 weeks however the graduates rated the programme highly, particularly the social perspective and healthy eating skills. This feasibility assessment of the HLP pilot illustrates the difficulties inherent in real-world service-based research but also highlights the potential benefits for future replication of the HLP for enhancing both physical health and quality of life for people with a serious mental illness. Key words: physical health, community mental health, healthy living, evaluation, group programme

Download Full-text

Physical health indicators in major mental illness: analysis of QOF data across UK general practice

British Journal of General Practice ◽

10.3399/bjgp14x681829 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 64 (627) ◽

pp. e649-e656 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Julie Langan Martin ◽

Richard Lowrie ◽

Alex McConnachie ◽

Gary McLean ◽

Frances Mair ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Illness ◽

General Practice ◽

Physical Health ◽

Health Indicators

Download Full-text

The Role of Animal Ownership for People with Severe Mental Illness during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Study Investigating Links with Health and Loneliness

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182211908 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (22) ◽

pp. 11908

Author(s):

Emily Shoesmith ◽

Panagiotis Spanakis ◽

Emily Peckham ◽

Paul Heron ◽

Gordon Johnston ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Physical Health ◽

Severe Mental Illness ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Companion Animals ◽

Human Animal ◽

The Uk ◽

Mental And Physical Health

Research has reported the benefits of companion animals for people with severe mental illness (SMI). However, this evidence base is fragmented and unclear. The COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity to explore the role of companion animals in the context of social distancing and isolation measures for people with SMI. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the links between mental and physical health and animal ownership in people with SMI and to explore animal owners’ perceptions related to human–animal interactions during the pandemic restrictions. A survey was conducted with a previously assembled cohort of individuals with SMI in the UK. The survey included previously validated and new bespoke items measuring demographics, and outcomes related to mental and physical health, and human–animal interactions. The survey also included a question inviting free-text responses, allowing participants to describe any experiences of their human–animal relationships during the pandemic. Of 315 participants who consented to participate, 249 (79%) completed the survey. Of these, 115 (46.2%) had at least one companion animal. Regression analyses indicated that animal ownership was not significantly associated with well-being and loneliness. However, animal ownership was associated with a self-reported decline in mental health (b = 0.640, 95% CI [0.102–1.231], p = 0.025), but no self-reported change in physical health. Thematic analysis identified two main themes relating to the positive and negative impact of animal ownership during pandemic restrictions. Animal ownership appeared to be linked to self-reported mental health decline in people with SMI during the second wave of the pandemic in the UK. However, the thematic analysis also highlighted the perceived benefit of animal ownership during this time. Further targeted investigation of the role of human–animal relationships and the perceived human–animal bond for human health is warranted.

Download Full-text