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

Alberto Mateo-Urdiales (Public Health England North West, Preston, UK)
Margaret Michael (Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK)
Charlotte Simpson (Public Health England North West, Preston, UK)
Jane Beenstock (Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK)

Journal of Public Mental Health

ISSN: 1746-5729

Article publication date: 7 April 2020

Issue publication date: 7 December 2020

496

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Citation

Mateo-Urdiales, A., Michael, M., Simpson, C. and Beenstock, J. (2020), "Evaluation of a participatory approach to improve healthy eating and physical activity in a secure mental health setting", Journal of Public Mental Health, Vol. 19 No. 4, pp. 301-309. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-11-2019-0090

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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