Abstract
Aims and MethodTo evaluate the physical health and health risk factors in long-stay psychiatric patients in a high secure psychiatric hospital. A cross-sectional survey of consenting patients was undertaken using a semi-structured questionnaire, a brief physical examination and review of patient case notes. A comparison was made with data collected on admission and held on the Special Hospitals' Case Register.ResultsMain findings were: a mean increase in weight since admission, in men of 10.62 kg and in women of 12.74 kg; high rates of smoking, obesity and large waist size; 54% of patients had one or more health problems.Clinical ImplicationsThe study's profile of the physical health of psychiatric in-patients indicates the need for health promotion initiatives in such hospitals and the need for primary care services.
Highlights
The standardised mortality ratio of patients with schizophrenia is nearly three times that of the general population; 60% of the excess mortality can be attributed to the same broad range of conditions that cause deaths in the general population (Brown et al, 2000)
The poor physical health of psychiatric patients has been attributed to decreased health awareness, fewer opportunities for a healthy lifestyle, high rates of smoking and the health risks associated with some psychotropic medications (Harris & Barraclough, 1998)
Our study was designed to evaluate the physical health of the patient population and health risk factors in long-stay psychiatric patients in a high secure hospital
Summary
To evaluate the physical health and health risk factors in long-stay psychiatric patients in a high secure psychiatric hospital. A cross-sectional survey of consenting patients was undertaken using a semi-structured questionnaire, a brief physical examination and review of patient case notes. A comparison was made with data collected on admission and held on the Special Hospitals’ Case Register
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