Australian College of Mental Health Nursing 37th International Conference –‘Mental Health Nursing: Swimming between the flags?’

\udPeople with serious mental illness have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke due to the increased incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) linked to second generation antipsychotic medications. Australian studies report the prevalence rates of MetS for people with serious mental illness as ranging between 51% and 68%. The pervasiveness of physical health issues, including weight gain, in mental health consumers has prompted calls for nurse-led health prevention and intervention programs.\ud\udMethods: \udAfter ethical approval, 104 participants were recruited to the study and randomly allocated to the control or intervention group. The intervention group received a multi-component 12 week healthy lifestyle program designed by the researchers. The control group received the written nutrition and exercise education component of the program. Weight measurements, demographic details and questionnaire responses were collected at the commencement and completion of the program.\ud\udResults: \udThe majority of study participants self reported a weight problem (n=65, 64.4%), and having previously tried to lose weight (n=81, 80.2%). The data analysis of the outcome measures for the control group (n=50) and intervention group (n=51), although not statistically significant, demonstrated small positive changes. There was a mean weight change of - 0.74 kg (SD=3.78 kg, p=0.167) at 12 weeks for the intervention group (n=51), while the control group (n=50) had a mean weight change of - 0.17 kg (SD=3.36, p=0.729) at 12 weeks. The outcome of the study is encouraging, with the implications for future research including: increasing group exercise sessions, individual support outside of the group, longer follow up and us of the transtheoretical model of change