Physical Healthcare of People with Serious Mental Illness: A Cross-Sectional Study of Nurses' Involvement, Views, and Current Practices

Abstract

Background: Based on the poor physical health and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, people with serious mental illness (SMI) have a high risk for long-term disorders such as diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Aims: This study examined nurses' current practices and views regarding the physical health of people with SMI. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses working in acute wards in large mental health hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. Convenience sample of 184 nurses agreed to participate in the study. Data collection was based on the self-reported responses. Descriptive statistics and comparison tests were used to describe the sample's characteristics and identify associations amongst the participants' characteristics. Findings: The results showed that nurses considered the patients' physical health important, particularly female nurses. Monitoring blood pressure, assessing physical health status at admission, and helping self-care needs were common practices. Believing in the importance of physical health was correlated with high knowledge and self-confidence levels in delivery of physical healthcare. Discussion: These findings are useful for implementing integrated nursing care in acute psychiatric care and improving patients' mental and physical well-being.