Health and Wellbeing PAQ
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Lifestyle Health and Wellbeing Survey: Physical Activity Questionnaire
IRAS ID
241210
Contact name
Emily Peckham
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of York
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
Our study will conduct a survey of physical activity behaviours of people with severe mental ill health (SMI) who choose to complete our questionnaire.
The study aim is to provide a benchmark of physical activity behaviours of people with SMI and to try and understand what makes people more likely to take part in physical activity and what prevents people from taking part in physical activity.
This survey is being undertaken within the NIHR CLAHRC Yorkshire and Humber
Mental Health and Comorbidities Theme.Summary for Results
This study aimed to understand the attitudes of people with severe mental ill health towards physical activity. Five-hundred and twenty-nine participants completed questionnaires on physical activity patterns, preferences, barriers and motivations. Responses were analysed to explore relationships between individual characteristics and physical activity status. The results suggested that a large proportion of people responding to the questionnaires were insufficiently active and excessively sedentary. Non-compliance with physical activity guidelines was associated with professional inactivity, consumption of fewer than five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, older age, and poor mental health. Participants indicated a preference for low-intensity activities and physical activity that can be done on their own, at their own time and pace, and close to home. The most commonly preferred source of support was social support from family and friends. When asked to identify common motivators to taking part in physical activity, responses favoured improving mental health, physical fitness and energy levels. On the other hand, poor mental and physical health and being too tired were common barriers to taking part in physical activity. The findings of this questionnaire can help to inform physical activity intervention programming for people living with severe mental ill health.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
18/WS/0107
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion