Authors: (including presenting author): :
Yuen TY (1)(3), Sezto NW (1)(3), Mui YS (2)(3), Cheng SP (2)(3), Wong HH(2)(3), Au WC (1)(3), Wong KK (1)(3)
Affiliation: :
(1)Department of Occupational Therapy, (2) Department of Psychiatry, (3) United Christian Hospital
Introduction: :
Recent study shows that people with severe mental illness have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and premature morbidity attributable to inactive lifestyle. A multi-disciplinary ‘Healthy lifestyle program’ was established in KEC in June 2019 to build up active lifestyle, healthy eating concept, and engagement in physical activities for people with severe mental illness (SMI).
Objectives: :
This pilot project was aimed at understanding the effect of the program. The two-fold objectives were:
1. To measure the changes in physical fitness and lifestyle of people with SMI after participation in the program; and
2. To understand the barriers of building a healthy lifestyle of people with SMI.
Methodology: :
A 12-week lifestyle modification program – with weekly 1-hour session – was conducted at Yung Fung Shee Psychiatry Day Hospital from June to August 2019. Each session included a 30-minute indoor fitness exercise and 30-minute psycho-education on lifestyle change comprising ways to increase energy expenditure in daily living, and dealing side effect of increased appetite and sugar cravings. A pre- and post-test design was employed. Outcomes was measured on (1) physical fitness, and (2) lifestyle changes at baseline and the 12th week of the program. Futhermore, focused group interview was conducted on the participants.
Result & Outcome: :
A total of twenty-two participants with SMI participated in the project. Data analysis showed an improvement in the physical fitness aspect: (1) an increase of 16.3% in walking distance in the 6-minute walk test, (2) an increase of 23.3% of steps in the 3-minute step test. In the lifestyle aspect, the self-rated Chinese Global Physical Activity Questionnaire indicated that they had an addition of 0.5 hour per week on average in performing moderate intensity activities after the completion of the program. In the focus group review, participants revealed that the major barriers for building a healthy lifestyle include lack of family support and the needs for a more intense individual coaching to maintain their changed behavior.
In Conclusion, the lifestyle modification program has demonstrated initial evidences in enhancing aerobic capacity, physical endurance and building a more active lifestyle for people with SMI. Future studies with larger sample sizes should work on finding ways to facilitate life-styles changes and how to sustain those changes into life-long habit.
