Project Details
Description
We found a significant prevalence of obesity among people with severe mental illness (SMI) in both South Asia (doi:10.1192/bjo.2023.12) and worldwide (doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.769309). Moreover, we identified an unmet need for services and interventions to treat obesity in this population (doi: 10.1017/gmh.2022.21). With this award, we aim to collect information about barriers for a healthy diet and physical activity in people with severe mental illness (SMI) in Bangladesh. We plan for the findings of this research (along with previous research) to inform the development and implementation of evidence-based interventions to reduce obesity and health inequalities in this population.
Using qualitative methods, we will collect information about individual, social and environmental barriers for a healthy diet and physical activity. We will disseminate the findings with stakeholders and policy makers and prepare an MRC application to develop and test a context-relevant intervention for people with SMI.
Using qualitative methods, we will collect information about individual, social and environmental barriers for a healthy diet and physical activity. We will disseminate the findings with stakeholders and policy makers and prepare an MRC application to develop and test a context-relevant intervention for people with SMI.
Layman's description
We found a significant prevalence of obesity among people with severe mental illness (SMI) in both South Asia (doi:10.1192/bjo.2023.12) and worldwide (doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.769309). Moreover, we identified an unmet need for services and interventions to treat obesity in this population (doi: 10.1017/gmh.2022.21). With this award, we aim to collect information about barriers for a healthy diet and physical activity in people with severe mental illness (SMI) in Bangladesh. We plan for the findings of this research (along with previous research) to inform the development and implementation of evidence-based interventions to reduce obesity and health inequalities in this population.
Using qualitative methods, we will collect information about individual, social and environmental barriers for a healthy diet and physical activity. We will disseminate the findings with stakeholders and policy makers and prepare an MRC application to develop and test a context-relevant intervention for people with SMI.
Using qualitative methods, we will collect information about individual, social and environmental barriers for a healthy diet and physical activity. We will disseminate the findings with stakeholders and policy makers and prepare an MRC application to develop and test a context-relevant intervention for people with SMI.
Key findings
A complex interplay of individual, familial and societal factors were found to influence these health behaviours. Individual factors include participants’ knowledge, beliefs and mental health limitations, such as low energy and motivation. Family caregivers play a crucial role. At the societal level, gender expectations, financial constraints and religious influences significantly impact these health behaviours.
Implications: Key influences on health risk behaviours for people with SMI in Bangladesh and Pakistan were identified. These insights can be used to tailor interventions for this vulnerable group.
Implications: Key influences on health risk behaviours for people with SMI in Bangladesh and Pakistan were identified. These insights can be used to tailor interventions for this vulnerable group.
| Acronym | LIFT |
|---|---|
| Status | Finished |
| Effective start/end date | 1/09/23 → 31/08/24 |