Engagement of people diagnosed with schizophrenia in a five-month exercise program: CORTEX-SP study

Abstract

Exercise programs represent useful non-pharmacological resources in preventing and treating mental disorders such as schizophrenia (SZ), but there are aforementioned reasons, (i.e., low rates of participation). The study aimed to explore the engagement of people diagnosed with SZ in a five-month exercise program. Therefore, purposive criterion sampling was utilized to recruit 35 participants who were diagnosed with SZ. Qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interviews; these were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data was subsequently analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes were identified from the analysis: intrapersonal factors (characteristics and clinical consequences of the SZ and pharmacotherapy), interpersonal factors (relationships with people that participate, health professionals, and family and friends), and environmental factors (exercise program organization and participants’ perception regarding the program). In conclusion, the symptoms and pharmacological treatments for the illness were perceived to be the primary barriers to engaging in exercise for the participants. Participants gave great importance to interpersonal factors, they perceived the group atmosphere and the program environment to be fundamental axes of the program. The presence of healthcare professionals, as well as the support, were also perceived to facilitate engagement in the exercise program. Keywords: schizophrenia, community exercise, qualitative methods, environmental health, mental health.