A qualitative exploration of facilitators and barriers to physical activity participation in people with severe mental illness in Taiwan. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Ming-De; I, Jung-Hsuan; Pellegrini, Christine A.; Tang, Tze-Chun; Kuo, Chang-Chih
• Is Part Of: Mental health and physical activity. Volume 13(2017)
• Page Start: 100
• Page End: 107
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Psychosis -- Mental disorders -- Exercise -- Health promotion -- Asia-pacific; Mental illness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Depression, Mental -- Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; Anxiety -- Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2017.09.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-2966

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Identifying factors associated with physical activity participation is critical for developing effective programs for individuals with severe mental illness (SMI). Previous studies have focused on western, developed countries; the purpose of this study was to qualitatively identify physical activity facilitators and barriers in people with SMI in Taiwan. Method: Thirty-nine community-dwelling participants participated in one of five focus groups. Semi-structured open-ended questions were asked to identify physical activity barriers and facilitators. Qualitative data was organized and analyzed with thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti. software. Results: Participants had a mean age of 42 (SD = 11), were primarily female (51.3%), and had a diagnosis of schizophrenia (84.6%). Five facilitators and five barriers related to physical activity participation in the SMI group were identified. Facilitators included motivation by the health benefits of physical activity, engagement in preferred types of activity, support from family and friends, encouragement from health professionals, and convenient access to exercise equipment and facilities. Barriers included poor health, low self-efficacy, low support from family and friends, fear of negative societal attitudes toward mental illness, and an unsupportive physical environment. Conclusions: Factors related to physical activity participation in Taiwanese with SMI are multidimensional and include personal, social and physical environment factors. Future physical activity promotion programs for similar Taiwanese populations with SMI may want to consider targeting multiple levels of influence to help increase physical activity. Highlights: Asian adults with severe mental illness identified factors that influence activity. Physical activity barriers and facilitators identified are multidimensional. Facilitators included motivation, engagement, support, and access. Barriers included poor health, low self-efficacy, low support, and fear. An unsupportive physical environment was a barrier unique to this population.