A comparison of lifestyle behaviour and health perceptions of people with severe mental illness and the general population
| Published date | 01 December 2004 |
| Date | 01 December 2004 |
| Pages | 19-25 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/17465729200400025 |
| Author | Diane Crone,Linda Heaney,Rhiannon Herbert,Jennifer Morgan,Lynne Johnston,Rob Macpherson |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care |
journal of mental health promotion •volume 3•issue 4 •december 2004 © Pavilion Publishing (Brighton) Ltd
A comparison of lifestyle behaviour and health
perceptions of people with severe mental
illness and the general population
ABSTRACT
People with long-term mental health problems have a considerably higher risk of physical illness and premature mortality than the general
population. This paper describes a survey of lifestyle behaviours and health perceptions of people with severe mental illness (SMI) living in
Gloucester.Findings were compared with data from the general population of Gloucestershire to reveal significant health differences that are
currently being addressed through a multi-agency health alliance established to initiate targeted health promoting opportunities for people
with severe mental illness in the community.
Diane Crone
Senior lecturer
School of Sport and Leisure, University of Gloucestershire
Linda Heaney
Specialist registrar in psychiatry
Gloucestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Rhiannon Herbert
Physical activity health promotion specialist
Greenwich Primary Care Trust
Jennifer Morgan
Assistant psychologist
Gloucestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Lynne Johnston
Senior research fellow
School of Sport and Leisure, University of Gloucestershire
Rob Macpherson
Consultant psychiatrist
Gloucestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Research
There is abundant evidence that people with severe and
enduring mental health problems areat significantly
increased risk of poor physical health. People with
mental health problems are at increased risk of
infectious diseases and endocrine, circulatory,
cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive disorders
(Mentality,2003; Barr, 2001; Phelan et al, 2001;
Brown et al,2000; Harris & Barraclough, 1998).
Factors associated with higher morbidity and mortality
in this population include poverty,poor housing and
the side effects of some medication, in addition to
lifestyle factors such as higher rates of smoking, poor
diet and limited physical activity (Cormac et al, 2004;
Friedli & Dardis, 2002; Brown et al,1999). Deaths
from smoking-related diseases are twice as high among
people with schizophrenia (McNeill, 2001). People
with schizophrenia also have significant differences in
diet (typically higher in fat and lower in fibre). Weight
gain is a side effect of major concern for many people
taking antipsychotic medication and thereare
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