Research Study Abstract

Physical activity and quality of life in long-term hospitalized patients with severe mental illness: a cross-sectional study

  • Published on Aug 18, 2017

Background: Increasing physical activity in patients with severe mental illness is believed to have positive effects on physical health, psychiatric symptoms and as well quality of life. Till now, little is known about the relationship between physical activity and quality of life in long-term hospitalized patients with severe mental illness and knowledge of the determinants of behavioural change is lacking. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and quality of life, and explore modifiable psychological determinants of change in physical activity in long-term hospitalized patients with severe mental illness.

Methods: In 184 inpatients, physical activity was measured using an accelerometer (ActiGraph GTX+). Quality of life was assessed by EuroQol-5D and WHOQol-Bref. Attitude and perceived self-efficacy towards physical activity were collected using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale and the Multidimensional Self Efficacy Questionnaire, respectively. Patient and disease characteristics were derived retrospectively from electronic patient records. Associations and potential predictors were analysed using hierarchical regression.

Results: Physical activity was positively related with and a predictor of all quality of life outcomes except on the environmental domain, independent of patient and disease characteristics. However, non-linear relationships showed that most improvement in quality of life lies in the change from sedentary to light activity. Attitude and self-efficacy were not related to physical activity.

Conclusions: Physical activity is positively associated with quality of life, especially for patients in the lower spectrum of physical activity. An association between attitude and self-efficacy and physical activity was absent. Therefore, results suggest the need of alternative, more integrated and (peer-)supported interventions to structurally improve physical activity in this inpatient population. Slight changes from sedentary behaviour to physical activity may be enough to improve quality of life.

Author(s)

  • Deenik J 1,2,3
  • Kruisdijk F 4,5
  • Tenback D 4,6
  • Braakman-Jansen A 7
  • Taal E 7
  • Hopman-Rock M 5,8,9
  • Beekman A 10
  • Tak E 5,8
  • Hendriksen I 5,8
  • van Harten P 4,11

Institution(s)

  • 1

    GGz Centraal, Utrechtseweg 266, 3818 EW, Amersfoort, The Netherlands. j.deenik@ggzcentraal.nl.
  • 2

    Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social sciences, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands. j.deenik@ggzcentraal.nl.
  • 3

    School for Mental Health and Neuroscience Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK, Maastricht, The Netherlands. j.deenik@ggzcentraal.nl.
  • 4

    GGz Centraal, Utrechtseweg 266, 3818 EW, Amersfoort, The Netherlands.
  • 5

    Body@Work, TNO-VU University Medical Centre, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
  • 6

    Department of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
  • 7

    Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social sciences, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands.
  • 8

    The Netherlands Organization for applied scientific research TNO, Schipholweg 77-89, 2316 ZL, Leiden, The Netherlands.
  • 9

    EMGO institute for Health and Care Research, Department of Public and Occupational Health, VU University Medical Centre, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
  • 10

    Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Centre, A.J. Ernststraat 1187, 1081 HL, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
  • 11

    School for Mental Health and Neuroscience Maastricht University, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Journal

BMC Psychiatry

Categories

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