Search results

1 – 4 of 4
Per page
102050
Citations:
Loading...
Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 5 March 2014

Clive Long, Arleen Rowell, Anita Gayton, Elizabeth Hodgson and Olga Dolley

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the incidence of obesity and its complications in secure psychiatric settings; and to assess changes in body mass index (BMI).

718

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the incidence of obesity and its complications in secure psychiatric settings; and to assess changes in body mass index (BMI).

Design/methodology/approach

Electronic patient records were used to determine levels of obesity and weight change over a three-year period. BMI levels were related to status, medication and patient characteristics.

Findings

The incidence of obesity (34 per cent) in the sample (n=351) was higher than in the general population. One-third of patients were on medication for hyperlipidaemia and 10 per cent were diagnosed with type II diabetes. Patients on regular antipsychotic drugs and sodium valproate and who were less active had higher BMIs. Gender differences over a three-year period showed a tendency for women's weight to continue to increase which may be linked to lower levels of engagement in activities of moderate or vigorous intensity.

Originality/value

Previous surveys using secure psychiatric populations have been point in time reviews. The current study tracks changes over a three-year time period and related this to a range of interventions.

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 8 August 2016

Clive Long, Arleen Rowell, Samantha Rigg, Frank Livesey and Peter McAllister

– The purpose of this paper is to describe healthy lifestyle initiatives in a secure psychiatric facility and the evidence base for these interventions.

945

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe healthy lifestyle initiatives in a secure psychiatric facility and the evidence base for these interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a detailed review of the literature on the physical health of psychiatric inpatients, a trans-diagnostic approach to behaviour change is advocated in selected areas.

Findings

Lifestyle strategy proposals were produced that incorporate the principle of “libertarian paternalism” in making changes to eating and exercise behaviour; a programme of motivational and reinforcement strategies; and facility-specific environmental restructuring to include maximising the therapeutic use of green space.

Practical implications

Instituting described changes needs to be accompanied by a programme of evaluation to assess intervention-specific physical health changes.

Originality/value

This paper provides a synthesis of findings in key areas of behaviour change relevant to improving the physical health of psychiatric patients in secure settings. It is a co-ordinated and interlinked lifestyle strategy that has applicability to similar services.

Details

Journal of Forensic Practice, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-8794

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 16 November 2011

Camilla Haw and Arleen Rowell

Obesity is an important contributory factor to premature mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to survey inpatients at a secure psychiatric hospital in order to…

738

Abstract

Purpose

Obesity is an important contributory factor to premature mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to survey inpatients at a secure psychiatric hospital in order to determine the proportion that was overweight and obese. Further aims were to identify variables associated with obesity and the proportion of patients being treated for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross‐sectional survey of 234 adult male and female forensic and rehabilitation patients was carried out using routinely collected data.

Findings

Of the 144 males, 33.3 per cent were overweight and 47.2 per cent were obese. Of the 90 females, 20.0 per cent were overweight and 63.3 per cent were obese. More patients had gained weight in the last three months than had lost it. Being overweight or obese was associated with the prescription of antipsychotic medication and valproate. A total of 30.3 per cent of patients were being treated for hyperlipidaemia, 14.1 per cent for hypertension and 8.5 per cent for type II diabetes mellitus.

Research limitations/implications

The survey was conducted in an independent hospital, thus the results are not readily generalisable to the wider NHS. The authors were unable to report on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. This is a subject that merits further research.

Practical implications

Obesity is a major challenge in this patient population and requires active management to try and prevent complications. Patients need continuing education about healthy eating and encouragement to take exercise.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of published surveys of obesity and its complications in forensic populations.

Details

The British Journal of Forensic Practice, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6646

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 16 November 2011

Carol A. Ireland and Neil Gredecki

379

Abstract

Details

The British Journal of Forensic Practice, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6646

1 – 4 of 4
Per page
102050