Evaluation of a participatory approach to improve healthy eating and physical activity in a secure mental health setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 301-309
Author(s):  
Alberto Mateo-Urdiales ◽  
Margaret Michael ◽  
Charlotte Simpson ◽  
Jane Beenstock
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity

Purpose The prevalence of obesity in secure mental health units is higher than in the general population, having a negative impact on the physical health and mental well-being of people with severe mental health illness (SMI). The purpose of this study was to describe the feasibility of a programme aimed to help people with SMI to eat healthily and be physically active. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods approach was used. A questionnaire administered to patients in both wards measured acceptability, demand, implementation and practicality of the project. Individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups were used to explore staff and patients’ perceptions of the project; as well as the barriers and enablers towards an effective implementation and participation in the project’s activities. Findings Patients were, overall, satisfied with the activities implemented. Successful activities were easy to implement, had staff actively engaged and did not require logistic or administrative planning beforehand. Barriers included unawareness around funding mechanisms of activities, staff capacity issues or lack of patients’ permission to leave the ward. Originality/value Few studies have assessed the feasibility of real-life interventions aimed to improve healthy eating and physical activity in secure mental health units. The results of this study can inform commissioners and providers of mental health services to design and implement new interventions and programmes.

scholarly journals Effects of Physical Activity and Training Routine on Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Curfew

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelena Sokić ◽  
Stanislava Popov ◽  
Bojana M. Dinić ◽  
Jovana Rastović
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Recreational Athletes ◽  
And Training

This research aimed to explore the effects of physical activity and training routine on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and the proclaimed emergency state and curfew. To measure the mental health components of psychological distress and subjective well-being, two studies were conducted on different samples: Study 1 during the beginning of curfew in Serbia (N = 678) and Study 2 during the ending phase (N = 398). The results of Study 1 showed that elite athletes as well as those with high level of physical activity experienced the lowest distress. Furthermore, effects of the changes in the training routine on distress among physically active individuals depended on the level of sports participation with elite athletes who reduced trainings showing lower anxiety compared to recreational athletes who reduced trainings as well or kept the same training routine. Thus, we could conclude that in the early stage of the pandemic, elite athletes showed better mental health and adaptability to the crisis situation. Results of Study 2 showed that although all the participants had decreased well-being during the curfew, compared to the period before the pandemic and the curfew, there were no differences in well-being between elite and recreational athletes, who had higher well-being compared to non-athletes. However, this effect held both before and during the curfew showing that physically active individuals did not additionally benefit from this decrease compared to the non-active. Furthermore, athletes who became physically inactive showed lower well-being compared to those who kept the same training routine. Thus, in the later stage of the pandemic, prolonged physical inactivity had negative effects on mental health.

scholarly journals Social prescribing for patients of secondary mental health services: emotional, psychological and social well-being outcomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 271-279
Author(s):  
Chris Dayson ◽  
Jo Painter ◽  
Ellen Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Service ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Contribution ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Prescribing

Purpose This paper aims to identify the well-being outcomes of a social prescribing model set within a secondary mental health service recovery pathway and understand the key characteristics of a social prescribing referral for producing these outcomes. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative case study of one mental health social prescribing service with three nested case studies of social prescribing providers. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with commissioners, providers and patients (n = 20) and analysed thematically. Findings Social prescribing makes a positive contribution to emotional, psychological and social well-being for patients of secondary mental health services. A key enabling mechanism of the social prescribing model was the supportive discharge pathway which provided opportunities for sustained engagement in community activities, including participation in peer-to-peer support networks and volunteering. Research limitations/implications More in-depth research is required to fully understand when, for whom and in what circumstances social prescribing is effective for patients of secondary mental health services. Practical implications A supported social prescribing referral, embedded within a recovery focussed secondary mental health service pathway, offers a valuable accompaniment to traditional approaches. Current social prescribing policy is focussed on increasing the number of link workers in primary care, but this study highlights the importance models embedded within secondary care and of funding VCSE organisations to receive referrals and provide pathways for long-term engagement, enabling positive outcomes to be sustained. Originality/value Social prescribing is widely advocated in policy and practice but there are few examples of social prescribing models having been developed in secondary mental health services, and no published academic studies that everybody are aware of.

scholarly journals The impact of peer mentoring on students’ physical activity and mental health

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Glazzard ◽  
Anthea Rose ◽  
Paul Ogilvie
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Peer Mentoring ◽  
Leadership Skills ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Peer Mentors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose A peer-mentoring scheme was implemented in a secondary school using a physical activity (PA) intervention to improve mental health outcomes of students who were at risk of developing mental ill health. These students are referred to as mentees. The evaluation was a qualitative design using focus groups and semi-structured interviews. The participants reported an increase in PA in both peer mentors and mentees. By the end of the project many of the mentees recognised that they had increased their levels of PA, they were more aware of the benefits of PA and the relationship between PA and their mental health. In addition, mentees reported feeling more confident and were more confident in forming social relationships. Peer mentors reported developing many leadership skills during the project. These included improved communication, confidence, empathy for others, relationship building and improved self-awareness. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative data were primarily collected from nine case study schools. Each visit included interviews with peer mentors, mentees and the Wellbeing Champion. Findings Mentees developed improved social confidence and were generally more positive after completing the intervention. Mentors developed leadership skills and greater empathy for their peers. Originality/value There is limited research on school-based PA interventions using peer mentoring to improve students’ mental health.

“We’re giving them the tools.” A qualitative study of nursing students working with Recovery College trainers to support student wellbeing

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Oates ◽  
Rasiha Hassan ◽  
Sam Coster
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Nursing Faculty ◽  
Student Nurses ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Peer Facilitators

Purpose This paper aims to present a thematic analysis of student nurses’ experiences of an innovative collaboration between a mental health Recovery College and a nursing faculty, where Recovery College trainers’ expertise in co-production and peer facilitation were foregrounded. The aim of this study is to understand how nursing students experienced being peer facilitators of well-being workshops for fellow students following training with Recovery College trainers. Design/methodology/approach Thematic analysis of qualitative data from eight semi-structured interviews and a focus group with 15 participants. Findings The overarching theme that emerged was “The process of being a student Peer Facilitator”. Six themes emerged from the data: “What we brought”; “Conceptualisation”; “Adaptation”; “we’re giving them the tools”; “What we gained”; and “Development”. Practical implications Mental health nurse educators could forge collaborative relationships with Recovery College colleagues with a broader remit than service users’ “lived experience” of mental distress. Student nurses should be given opportunities to be peer facilitators and draw on their lived experience as student nurses as means of addressing their and their peers’ mental health. Originality/value Original findings were that the student experience of being a peer facilitator was different to their other experiences in education and clinical practice. They drew on their lived experience throughout and found that they learned skills to address their well-being through supporting other students to improve theirs.

Practices, drivers and barriers of implementing green leases: lessons from South Australia

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raufdeen Rameezdeen ◽  
Jian Zuo ◽  
Jack Stevens
Keyword(s):  
Real Life ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Legal Aspects ◽  
The Body ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Staff Retention ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the practices, drivers and barriers which influence the implementation of green leases in South Australia. Despite some efforts on legal aspects of green leases, only a few studies have examined these aspects from an operational perspective. In addition, very little empirical evidence was presented in previous studies to show how green leases work in real-life settings. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with landlord and tenant representatives who have considerable experience in green leases. These interviewees were selected via a purposive sampling technique that identified buildings which use green leases in South Australia. The concept of interface management (IM) was used to operationalize this research. Findings The green leases were found to be mainly initiated by tenants while government involvement, economic and environmental benefits are the main drivers in South Australia. Drivers such as staff retention, well-being and corporate social responsibility are found to be more relevant to tenants. Lack of awareness and transaction costs are the main barriers to the implementation of green leases. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on the South Australian context and mainly covers dark green leases. There are implications for the government’s continued involvement and the promotion of lighter shades of green leases to overcome operational issues and barriers identified in this study. Originality/value This study contributes to the body of knowledge on the subject of green lease implementation from an operational perspective. In addition, the study introduces a conceptual framework via IM that could be used in future research endeavours.

scholarly journals A systematic review assessing the extent of social marketing principle use in interventions targeting children (2000-2014)

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Kubacki ◽  
Sharyn Rundle-Thiele ◽  
Ville Lahtinen ◽  
Joy Parkinson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Marketing ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Marketing Mix ◽  
Audience Segmentation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
Marketing Principles

Purpose – This study aims to review the extent that social marketing principles are applied in interventions targeting children published in peer-reviewed journals between 2000 and 2014. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic literature review was conducted to identify peer-reviewed social marketing studies targeting children under the age of 12 years as their main audience. Twenty-three interventions were identified and analysed using Andreasen’s (2002) social marketing benchmark criteria including behavioural objective, audience segmentation, formative research, exchange, marketing mix and competition. Findings – All of the interventions analysed in this review targeted behaviours associated with either physical activity or healthy eating among children under the age of 12 years. Sixteen of the studies reported positive behavioural outcomes. None of the studies used all six of the Andresean (2002) benchmark criteria. Social implications – With growing concerns about the prevalence of obesity among children, social marketing is emerging as an effective approach to increase physical activity and healthy eating, which in turn may assist to lower obesity. Extending the application of the social marketing benchmark criteria in social marketing interventions will assist to increase effectiveness. Originality/value – This paper presents the first attempt to review the extent that social marketing principles are used in interventions targeted at children aged 12 years and under.

Exercise and the brain in multiple sclerosis

2020 ◽  
pp. 135245852096909
Author(s):  
Brian M Lozinski ◽  
V Wee Yong
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Brain

While people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) historically were advised to avoid physical activity to reduce symptoms such as fatigue, they are now encouraged to remain active and to enlist in programs of exercise. However, despite an extensive current literature that exercise not only increases physical well-being but also their cognition and mental health, many PwMS are not meeting recommended levels of exercise. Here, we emphasize the impact and mechanisms of exercise on functional and structural changes to the brain, including improved connectome, neuroprotection, neurogenesis, oligodendrogenesis, and remyelination. We review evidence from animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS) that exercise protects and repairs the brain, and provide supportive data from clinical studies of PwMS. We introduce the concept of MedXercise, where exercise provides a brain milieu particularly conducive for a brain regenerative medication to act upon. The emphasis on exercise improving brain functions and repair should incentivize PwMS to remain physically active.

scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 on Women’s Physical Activity Behavior and Mental Well-Being

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (23) ◽  
pp. 9036
Author(s):  
Carl P. Nienhuis ◽  
Iris A. Lesser
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Physical Activity Programming ◽  
The Impact

Background: A global pandemic caused by COVID-19 resulted in restrictions to daily living for Canadians, including social distancing and closure of recreation facilities and provincial parks. Methods: The objective of this study was to assess whether sex differences exist in physical activity and well-being since COVID-19 and to explore how barriers or facilitators to physical activity may explain these differences. Chi-square tests, independent t-tests and one-way ANOVAs were conducted to evaluate data provided by 1098 Canadians—215 men and 871 women. Results: Women were significantly less physically active than men and reported more barriers and fewer facilitators to physical activity and experienced significantly more generalized anxiety than men. Women who were engaged in less physical activity due to COVID-19 reported significantly lower mental health scores, lower social, emotional and psychological well-being, and significantly higher generalized anxiety, while women who engaged in more physical activity had improved mental health scores. Conclusions: Given the challenges that women uniquely face due to restrictions, it is imperative to advocate and provide environmental opportunity and support for physical activity to reduce the mental duress women may be experiencing. Specific physical activity programming that is inclusive of lifestyle physical activity and can engage children is encouraged.

scholarly journals Mental Health and Physical Activity in Health-Related University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 801
Author(s):  
Jasminka Talapko ◽  
Ivan Perić ◽  
Patricia Vulić ◽  
Emina Pustijanac ◽  
Melita Jukić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Issue ◽  
Emotional States ◽  
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
Health Related

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to increased negative emotional states among students. Physical activity is known to have positive impacts on mental health and well-being. However, due to the closure of gyms and other recreational facilities as a restrictive measure, students’ physical activity levels may decrease. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and physical activity among health-related students during the second partial COVID-19 lockdown. The study included 823 students from the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health of the University of Osijek in Croatia. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Godin-Shephard Leisure Time Questionnaire for Physical Activity (GSLTPAQ) questionnaires were used to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms as well as physical activity. Two-thirds (59.2%) of students in health-related fields were insufficiently active, while the prevalence of depression (50.8%), anxiety (50.9%), and stress (49.9%) symptoms were high. Also, female respondents had significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than their male counterparts. Graduate students had higher levels of all three negative emotional states, but only anxiety levels were significant. This study shows that students in health-related fields had reduced physical activity and a high prevalence of negative emotional conditions (depression, anxiety, and stress) during the second partial lockdown. The resulting symptoms were mostly of mild intensity; however, we consider this a significant mental health issue during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, it is crucial to control and support students’ mental health, especially in more affected female individuals, in order to reduce the pandemic’s negative impact.

scholarly journals What does well-being mean to mental health peer workers?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Edge ◽  
Susan Wheatley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Occupational Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analysis Design ◽  
Science Framework

Purpose This paper aims to gain a detailed understanding of their experience of well-being from the perspective of mental health peer workers. Design/methodology/approach An interpretative phenomenological analysis design using semi-structured interviews was conducted with four peer workers. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and then analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Participants described their experience of well-being in terms of a journey over time that followed an unpredictable course. They understood their well-being in terms of their engagement in occupations. An occupational science framework was used to understand the participants’ experience of their well-being in terms of doing, being and becoming. Originality/value This paper is among the first to approach the exploration of the experience of well-being for peer workers using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis design.

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