Barriers and facilitators to increasing physical activity in medium secure mental health settings: An exploration of staff perceptions

Lewis, Kiara and Roden-Lui, Gloria and Faulkner, Guy and Gibbon, Simon and Hewitt, Catherine and Hughes, Elizabeth and Khan, Wajid and Lucock, Mike and Singh, Bal and Walters, Phil and Watson, Judith and Walker, Tammi (2024) Barriers and facilitators to increasing physical activity in medium secure mental health settings: An exploration of staff perceptions. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 28. p. 100663. ISSN 1755-2966

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Abstract

Purpose
The benefits of physical activity for people with severe mental illness (SMI) is widely recognised but for those in medium secure settings there are additional environmental barriers to being active that have not been fully explored. The aim of this study was to explore the perceived barriers and facilitators from the perspective of staff within the medium secure setting.
Method
Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with qualified and unqualified staff (n = 24) across two UK medium secure NHS settings. Michie's COM-B framework was used to inform the topic guide and the analysis of the data.
Results
The opportunities to be active in medium secure settings depend not only on access to facilities but also staff availability and willingness to support such activities. When an individualised approach is taken, and staff are skilled and motivated to support such activities then it is possible for people with SMI in medium secure settings to be physically active.
Conclusion
People with SMI in secure settings have reduced autonomy to increase their own physical activities but it was suggested that with the appropriate opportunities and the motivation of staff their capability to be active could be enhanced.

Item Type: Article
Identification Number: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2024.100663
Dates:
Date
Event
5 December 2024
Accepted
7 December 2024
Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords: Qualitative, Focus groups, Severe mental illness, Secure service, Physical activity, Barriers, Facilitators, COM-B
Subjects: CAH03 - biological and sport sciences > CAH03-02 - sport and exercise sciences > CAH03-02-01 - sport and exercise sciences
Divisions: Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences > College of Life Sciences
Depositing User: Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited: 14 Jan 2025 13:24
Last Modified: 14 Jan 2025 13:24
URI: https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16077

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