Planning physical activity for adults with mental health issues: What contexts do people want?

Abstract

Introduction & Purpose. Physical activity provides psychological and physical benefits, and could help reduce the significant morbidity and mortality associated with poor mental health. Activity opportunities that are consistent with people’s interests may promote participation. This presentation summarises three projects on activity context preferences among adults with poor mental health. Methods: The Physical Activity Context Preferences Questionnaire assesses how, where and with whom activity is preferred. Responses are provided on a 5 point scale of agreement/disagreement. Study 1 focussed on mid-aged adults in the general population with elevated psychological distress (N=909); data were analysed using multi-level multinomial logistic regression (adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals reported). Study 2 focussed on noninstitutionalised adults who self-identified as recovering from mental illness (N=142); data were analysed using logistic regression. Study 3 focussed on inpatients of a psychiatric hospital (N=101); data were analysed using Pearson’s chi squared test. Results: In the population study, participants with elevated distress were significantly more likely than those without to prefer activities with supervision (1.64; 1.32-2.03), scheduled sessions (1.32; 1.08-1.62) and others of the same gender (1.41; 1.12- 1.78). In the outpatient study, more than two thirds of participants preferred activities done alone, with scheduled sessions, close to home, and with people of the same level of ability; there were no significant differences by distress (p>0.02). In the inpatient study, more than two thirds of participants preferred activities done alone, with scheduled sessions, and with a set routine; there were no significant differences by distress (p>0.003). Study 2 and 3 participants wanted activities to be led by an exercise specialist (e.g., trainer, physiotherapist, exercise physiologist) and not medical staff. Conclusions: Adults across the continuum of poor mental health prefer scheduled activities and may be deterred by groups, especially with people of the opposite gender and different levels of ability. More work is needed to develop and evaluate appealing physical activity opportunities to support people with poor mental health.