Facilitators of healthy life style behaviors in persons with schizophrenia-A qualitative feasibility pilot study.

Abstract

Persons with schizophrenia experience high rates of cardio metabolic disorders and have a 20-25% shorter life expectancy than the general population. Health professionals led life style modification behavior programs have shown improvements, in managing aspects of metabolic problems. This study sought to identify the life style modification by exploring (1) facilitators that help persons with schizophrenia to adopt the lifestyle modification behaviors and (2) factors that help to adhere to life style modification behaviors. A qualitative study utilizing face to face interviews was conducted for five persons (n = 5) diagnosed as schizophrenia (ICD 10) and their caregivers (n = 13) receiving inpatient mental health services in a tertiary level psychiatry centre, in South India. Qualitative data was collected, organized and analyzed with thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti software. The study results identified four major themes as facilitators. (1) Factors of increased self- confidence, and personal development. (2) The need for social support and conducive environment; (3) level of self motivation (4) encouragement from health professional and availability of health services. Participants believed that engaging with programs of physical activity, dietary modification, and illness support from family would motivate them to live more healthily. Individuals with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia encounter physical health related problems, facilitators of lifestyle change behavior help them to adhere to change in their routine life. Lifestyle change interventions also motivate individuals to eat healthy diet and exercise regularly to prevent premature mortality.