Health risks and changes in self-efficacy following community health screening of adults with serious mental illnesses

PLoS One. 2015 Apr 13;10(4):e0123552. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123552. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

Physical health screenings were conducted by researchers and peer wellness specialists for adults attending publicly-funded community mental health programs. A total of 457 adults with serious mental illnesses attended health fairs in 4 U.S. states and were screened for 8 common medical co-morbidities and health risk factors. Also assessed were self-reported health competencies, medical conditions, and health service utilization. Compared to non-institutionalized U.S. adults, markedly higher proportions screened positive for obesity (60%), hypertension (32%), diabetes (14%), smoking (44%), nicotine dependence (62%), alcohol abuse (17%), drug abuse (11%), and coronary heart disease (10%). A lower proportion screened positive for hyperlipidemia (7%). Multivariable random regression analysis found significant pre- to post-screening increases in participants' self-rated abilities for health practices, competence for health maintenance, and health locus of control. Screening identified 82 instances of undiagnosed diabetes, hypertension or hyperlipidemia, and 76 instances where these disorders were treated but uncontrolled. These results are discussed in the context of how this global public health approach holds promise for furthering the goal of integrating health and mental health care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Mental Disorders / therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Population Surveillance
  • Prevalence
  • Risk
  • Risk Factors
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • United States / epidemiology

Grants and funding

This work was funded by the U.S. Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research; and the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services, Cooperative Agreement #H133B100028. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of any Federal agency. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.