Main Outcomes of a Peer-Led Healthy Lifestyle Intervention for People With Serious Mental Illness in Supportive Housing

The use of implementation science theoretical approaches in hybrid effectiveness-implementation type 1 randomised trials of healthcare interventions: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation randomised controlled trials (RCTs) aim to accelerate the translation of proven clinical interventions into routine care by concurrently investigating the effectiveness of clinical interventions and the context for real-world implementation. Hybrid type 1 RCTs can make use of implementation science theoretical approaches (i.e., theories, models, and frameworks) to understand barriers and facilitators to sustainable implementation of clinical interventions; however, the extent to which these approaches have been used in hybrid type 1 RCTs has not been systematically investigated. This scoping review aimed to investigate the extent to which implementation science theoretical approaches have been used in hybrid type 1 RCTs of healthcare interventions and describe which approaches have been reported and how they have been used.

METHODS

The review was conducted in accordance with the pre-registered protocol ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/CJ8A7 ). Searches of six electronic databases were conducted for published hybrid type 1 RCTs evaluating any clinical intervention in any healthcare setting. The included trials were full-text, peer-reviewed primary research articles written in English, and reporting the findings of hybrid type 1 RCTs of healthcare interventions. Non-English language reports, reviews, protocols without a linked trial results report, methodological papers, opinion pieces, commentaries, books/book chapters, dissertations, and conference abstracts were excluded. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed use of theoretical approach/es.

RESULTS

We identified 8,878 citations, screened 673 full-text records, and included 37 trials. Most trials were conducted in North America (68%), investigating clinical interventions for mental health problems (32%) in adults (43%). Twenty-eight (76%) trials cited use of at least one theoretical approach. The most common was the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework (43%). Theoretical approaches were most often applied (62%) to justify the implementation study design, guide selection of study materials or analyse implementation outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The majority of published hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation RCTs of healthcare interventions report using at least one theoretical approach to explore the context for implementation. Use of implementation science theories, models, and/or frameworks to understand the barriers and facilitators to implementation and sustainability of proven clinical interventions is likely to accelerate future translation of evidence-based practices into routine care and thus optimise patient outcomes.

Factors influencing engagement in in-person and remotely delivered lifestyle interventions for young adults with serious mental illness: A qualitative study

AIM

Young adults (ages 18-35) are underrepresented in lifestyle interventions for people with serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression, and little is known about factors influencing their engagement in these programmes. This qualitative study examined factors affecting engagement amongst young adults with SMI who were enrolled in a lifestyle intervention trial at community mental health centres.

METHODS

Seventeen young adults with SMI participated in this qualitative study. Participants were drawn from a 12-month randomized controlled trial (n = 150) comparing an in-person group lifestyle intervention augmented with mobile health technology (PeerFIT) to one-on-one personalized remote health coaching (BEAT) using purposive sampling. The 17 participants completed semi-structured qualitative interviews at post-intervention to explore their perceived benefits of the intervention and factors impacting engagement. We used a team-based descriptive qualitative approach to code transcripts and identify themes in the data.

RESULTS

Participants across both interventions reported experiencing improved ability to engage in health behaviour change. Participants described managing psychosocial stressors and family and other responsibilities that limited their ability to attend in-person PeerFIT sessions. The remote and flexible BEAT remote health coaching intervention appeared to facilitate engagement even in the context of challenging life circumstances.

CONCLUSIONS

Remotely delivered lifestyle interventions can facilitate engagement amongst young adults with SMI navigating social stressors.

Using the matrixed multiple case study methodology to understand site differences in the outcomes of a Hybrid Type 1 trial of a peer-led healthy lifestyle intervention for people with serious mental illness

Site differences in implementation trial outcomes are common but often not examined. In a Hybrid Type 1 trial examining the effectiveness-implementation of a peer-led group life-style balance (PGLB) intervention for people with serious mental illness (SMI) in three supportive housing agencies, we found that PGLB recipients' physical health outcomes differed by study sites. The matrixed multiple case study methodology was used to explore how implementation outcomes and changes in context of usual care (UC) services contributed to these site differences. Two implementation outcomes (i.e. PGLB fidelity ratings and intervention recipients' acceptability of PGLB and UC) and changes in healthcare services integration at the study sites were examined. ANOVAs were used to examine site differences in fidelity ratings and client satisfaction. Directed content analysis was used to analyze leadership interviews to identify changes in the context of UC services. Site 3 showed a trend approaching significance (P = .05) towards higher fidelity ratings. High levels of satisfaction with PGLB were reported at all sites. Significant differences in PGLB recipients' satisfaction with UC were found, with Site 3 reporting the lowest levels of satisfaction. Agency leaders reported an increase in prioritizing client's health throughout the trial with sites differing in how these priorities were put into action. Differences in PGLB recipients' satisfaction with UC, and changes in healthcare service integration seemed to have contributed to the site differences in our trial. The matrixed multiple case study methodology is a useful approach to identify implementation outcomes contributing to the heterogeneity of multisite implementation trial results.

Examining Place-Based Neighborhood Factors in a Multisite Peer-Led Healthy Lifestyle Effectiveness Trial for People with Serious Mental Illness

People with severe mental illness (SMI) experience significantly higher obesity-related comorbidities and premature mortality rates than healthy populations. The physical and social characteristics of neighborhoods where people with SMI reside can play an important role in promoting or hindering healthy eating and physical activity. However, this is seldom considered when designing and testing health behavior interventions for these populations. This study used baseline data from an obesity control trial for low-income, minority people with SMI to demonstrate the utility of assessing neighborhood- and city-level place-based factors within the context of lifestyle interventions. GIS was used to create a zip-code-level social and built environment geodatabase in New York City and Philadelphia, where the trial occurred. Chi-square and t-tests were used to assess differences in the spatial distribution of health-related built and social environment characteristics between and within cities and diet and physical activity outcomes. All types of neighborhood characteristics showed significant environmental differences between and within cities. Several neighborhood characteristics were associated with participants' baseline healthy eating and physical activity behaviors, emphasizing that place-based factors may moderate lifestyle interventions for SMI patients. Future behavioral interventions targeting place-dependent behaviors should be powered and designed to assess potential moderation by place-based factors.

Factors associated with weight gain prevention in young adults with serious mental illness

AIM

The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with weight gain prevention among young adults with serious mental illness who participated in the Fit Forward randomized controlled trial evaluating lifestyle interventions adapted for this high-risk group. The aims were to: (1) examine baseline differences between participants that gained weight and those that lost or maintained weight at six and 12 months, and (2) evaluate whether changes in weight control strategies were associated with weight gain prevention at 6 and 12 months.

METHODS

This study was a secondary analysis of the Fit Forward Study. Participants were young adults (age 18-35) with a serious mental illness and a body mass index in the overweight or obese range. Participants completed assessments at baseline and 6 and 12 months. t-Tests and chi-squared tests were used to examine baseline differences between those that gained weight and those that lost/maintained weight. Logistic regression was used to evaluate whether changes in weight control strategies were associated with weight gain prevention in the sample overall.

RESULTS

Lower baseline BMI was significantly associated with weight gain prevention at six and 12 months. Greater increases in weight control strategies total score and psychological coping subscale were significantly associated with weight gain prevention at six and 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight control strategies, particularly psychological coping tools that support positive thinking and reduce negative self-talk should be considered as core strategies in healthy lifestyle interventions aimed at preventing weight gain in young adults with serious mental illness.

Impact of Moderating Demographic Variables on a Health Intervention for People with Serious Mental Illness

Purpose

Healthy lifestyle interventions can improve the health of people with serious mental illness (SMI). Little is known whether demographic variables moderate the effectiveness of these interventions on health outcomes.

Method

Data from an effectiveness trial of a peer-led healthy lifestyle intervention (PGLB) for people with SMI examine whether age, racial/ethnic minoritized status, and gender moderated the effectiveness of PGLB compared to usual care (UC) in achieving clinically significant improvements in weight, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction.

Results

Compared to UC, PGLB was most beneficial for participants age 49 and younger for achieving clinically significant weight loss and from racial/ethnic minoritized communities for achieving clinically significant weight loss and reductions in CVD risk.

Conclusions

These findings suggest the impact of healthy lifestyle interventions for people with SMI may not be uniform and adaptations may be needed to make these interventions responsive to the needs of diverse populations.

The association between food insecurity and physical activity in adults with serious mental illness living in supportive housing

Rates of food insecurity are high among adults with serious mental illness (SMI); this population also engages in less physical activity than the general population. However, the relationship between food insecurity and physical activity in this group has not been explored. We examined food insecurity prevalence and its association with physical activity in 314 adults with SMI living in supportive housing in New York City and Philadelphia and enrolled in an institutional review board-approved randomized controlled trial of a Peer Group Lifestyle Balance (PGLB) program. We analyzed 2014 baseline survey data, including demographic data and self-reported food security, and four self-reported physical activity outcomes: any physical activity per week (yes/no) and 2) total, 3) moderate, or 4) vigorous physical activity minutes per week. A logistic regression model examined food security as a predictor of any physical activity; zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were used for the other three physical activity outcomes; demographic and clinical predictors were assessed for inclusion in models. Over half of participants (51.7%) reported low or very low levels of food security. Relationships between food insecurity and three physical activity measures (any physical activity, total weekly minutes, and moderate weekly minutes) were non-significant; those with lower food security were more likely to engage in vigorous physical activity. The high food insecurity prevalence highlights the importance of measuring and addressing food security in populations experiencing SMI; measuring physical activity is also important for tailored lifestyle recommendations. Future studies should examine longitudinal changes in food security and physical activity.

Using photovoice to understand and improve healthy lifestyles of people diagnosed with serious mental illness

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: People diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI): Live 10 to 20 years less than the general population, and this can be related to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and low levels of physical activity. Have a good understanding of what healthy lifestyle comprises of, but face barriers and challenges related to their mental health, treatment, and life situation. There is limited participatory research that considers the specific beliefs of people diagnosed with SMI about what "being healthy" means to them.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE

People diagnosed with SMI value health and are often already engaged in activities that promote both physical and mental health. They experience the "vicious cycle" of barriers to engage in healthier lifestyle, including medication effects, poor sleep routines, fatigue, low mood and establishing a routine, but this shows how healthy activities can improve their mental health. The importance of meaningful places and their role in supporting healthy lifestyles was identified Some people diagnosed with SMI face significant socio-economic challenges (such as lack of cooking facilities; limited money for purchasing healthy food) to support healthy lifestyles. To truly understand the perspectives of people with SMI, who are typically voiceless and disempowered, research methods need to allow the participants to set the agenda for discussion, to not only provide rich data but also have the added benefit of empowerment and enhanced engagement. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Mental health nurses should: Explore the practical barriers to healthy lifestyle such as financial concerns and ensure that people can access support to obtain what they need from the local community resources. Instigate a mental health and/or medication review if mental health symptoms or medication side effects are a barrier to healthy lifestyles Explore what places have meaning and consider how to use meaningful places as motivating factors for healthy lifestyles and promoting mental well being.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: People diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI) live 10-20 years less than the general population, due in part to co-existing physical illness linked to lifestyle factors. To inform individualized care plans to promote healthy lifestyles, it is important to understand the views of people diagnosed with SMI. To truly understand their lived experience, research methods should allow participants to set the agenda for discussion, enhancing engagement and empowerment in the research process.

AIM

To use a participatory research approach to capture what healthy lifestyle means to people who are diagnosed with SMI.

METHOD

Eight people diagnosed with SMI participated in six, weekly focus groups using Photovoice. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The overarching theme was 'mental health is the main priority', and the other themes were barriers to a healthy lifestyle, represented as a vicious cycle, and three themes, which were facilitators - the importance of place, meaningful activities, and the importance of others.

DISCUSSION

The methodology allowed participants to choose images that reflected their lived experience. The themes describe the interaction of physical and mental health and practical barriers and will inform the design of individualized care plans.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

In co-designing care plans, mental health nurses should draw on peoples' preferences and explore the barriers identified in this study.

Learning, doing and sticking with it: A qualitative study on achieving clinically significant reduction in cardiovascular disease risk in a healthy lifestyle intervention for people with serious mental illness

People with serious mental illness (SMI; e.g. schizophrenia) have mortality rates two to three times higher than the general population, largely due to a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Healthy lifestyle interventions can improve the health of people with SMI, but information about why these interventions work for some and not others is scarce. Our study aims to qualitatively explore differences in these two groups' overall experiences and application of the intervention. Data were drawn from a randomised effectiveness trial of a peer-led healthy lifestyle intervention. Qualitative data from interviews and focus groups with 21 participants were linked to their 12-month outcome data. Grounded theory was used to compare the experiences of participants who achieved clinically significant CVD risk reduction (i.e. clinically significant weight loss or clinically significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness) versus those who did not. Three qualitative themes: learning, change, sticking with it - differentiated participants who achieved CVD risk reduction and those that did not. Participants achieving CVD risk reduction described learning and applying specific knowledge and skills related to a healthy lifestyle when making health decisions, made healthy concrete changes to diet and physical activity, and stuck with those changes. Participants not achieving clinically significant CVD risk reduction reported surface-level learning about healthy lifestyle practices, difficulty sticking with healthy changes, and were more likely to report ambiguous or no changes. Our findings suggest that healthy lifestyle interventions for people with SMI should provide experiential in-vivo learning experiences while periodically assessing participants' understanding and then tailoring the intervention to their needs. It is important to build self-efficacy for health behaviour changes by creating early perceptions of success, which was found to enhance motivation and sustain behaviour change. Helping people with SMI develop and strengthen their support systems will also be an important factor for building and sustaining health behaviour changes.

Correlates of Attendance in a Peer-Led Healthy Lifestyle Intervention for People with Serious Mental Illness Living in Supportive Housing

Healthy lifestyle interventions can improve the physical health of people with serious mental illness (SMI; e.g., schizophrenia). Yet, people with SMI report challenges participating in these interventions, thus limiting their potential benefits. This study examined attendance of participants (N = 155), largely comprised of racial and ethnic minorities, in a peer-led healthy lifestyle intervention living in supportive housing. A logistic regression model was used to identify correlates associated with attendance. Results indicated that females, those with at least a high school education, and a diagnosis of schizophrenia were more likely to attend. In contrast, the odds of attending at least one session were significantly lower for those who reported any drug use and for those who rated their health as good or excellent. Our findings indicate certain subgroups of people with SMI could benefit from tailored motivational strategies and supports to improve their participation in healthy lifestyle interventions. clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02175641).

Lifestyle interventions for people with a severe mental illness living in supported housing: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Although supported housing facilities (SHF) appear to be an ideal setting for supporting people with severe mental illness (SMI) to obtain a healthier lifestyle, little is known about the effects of lifestyle interventions in SHF and the factors contributing to successful implementation. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of lifestyle interventions on mental and physical health in people with SMI in SHF, and reviewed which intervention factors contribute to successful implementation. A meta-analysis using a random effects model was undertaken. Discussions were reviewed to identify factors that foster successful implementation. Of 7401 identified studies, 9 RCTs (n = 1260) were included for the systematic review and 8 (n = 1187) for the meta-analysis. Improvements in weight (n = 3), BMI (n = 1), 6-Min Walk Test (n = 1) and metabolic criteria (n = 2) were seen. In the meta-analysis we only found a small effect for a decrease in waist circumference. Reviewing factors involved with the implementation showed that the most successfully implemented interventions were multidisciplinary and integrated into standard care. In conclusion, we found limited evidence for the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions on physical health for those living in SHF. To reliably examine the effects on mental and physical health, more studies with high involvement of staff and participants are needed.

Ideal Cardiovascular Health in Racially and Ethnically Diverse People with Serious Mental Illness

Cardiovascular disease is a primary contributor to premature death among people with serious mental illness (SMI). This study used baseline data (N=314) from an effectiveness trial testing a healthy lifestyle intervention for racial/ethnically diverse participants with overweight/obesity and SMI living in supportive housing. We examined the prevalence and correlates of a modified version of the American Heart Association (AHA) metric of ideal cardiovascular health (ICVH). Five AHA ICVH metrics (smoking, body mass index, diet, physical activity, and blood pressure) were used to create a composite ICVH score. The mean ICVH score was 3.15 (range 0-8). Multivariate analysis indicated that higher ICVH scores were associated with lifetime cancer diagnosis and better cardiorespiratory fitness. Lower scores were associated with female gender, racial/ethnic minority status, and antipsychotic use, suggesting that these subgroups of people with SMI may benefit from targeted screening and interventions to improve their cardiovascular health.

Renewed call for lifestyle interventions to address obesity among individuals with serious mental illness in the COVID-19 era and beyond

Behavioral health has the opportunity to lead the way in using lifestyle interventions to address obesity and health disparities in people with serious mental illness (SMI) in the COVID-19 era. Evidence-based interventions for weight loss in individuals with SMI exist, and the field has developed strategies for implementing these interventions in real-world mental health care settings. In addition to promoting weight loss, lifestyle interventions have the potential to address social isolation and loneliness and other patient-centered outcomes among individuals with SMI, which will be especially valuable for mitigating the growing concerns about loneliness attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on in-person encounters. In this commentary, we discuss practice, policy, and research implications related to using evidence-based lifestyle interventions for individuals with SMI during the COVID-19 pandemic and sustaining these programs in the long-term.

"Being There" vs "Being Direct:" Perspectives of Persons with Serious Mental Illness on Receiving Support with Physical Health from Peer and Non-Peer Providers

Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) face significant health disparities and multiple barriers to engaging in health behavior change. To reduce these health disparities, it is necessary to enhance the support individuals with SMI receive through the collaboration of different healthcare providers. This study explored how people with SMI living in supportive housing perceived receiving support from peer and non-peer providers for their physical health. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 28 participants receiving a peer-led healthy lifestyle intervention in the context of a randomized trial in supportive housing agencies. Interviews explored participants' experiences working with the healthy lifestyle peer specialist and a non-peer provider who assisted them with health. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using strategies rooted in grounded theory. Participants viewed their relationships with peer and non-peer providers positively, but described differences in the approach to practice, power dynamics present, and how they identified with each provider. Participants described peers as process-oriented while non-peer staff as task-oriented, focusing on accomplishing concrete objectives. Each provider sought to boost participants' motivation, but peers built hope by emphasizing the possibility of change, while non-peer providers emphasized the consequences of inaction. Participants related to peer staff through shared experiences, while identifying the importance of having a shared treatment goal with their non-peer provider. Overall, participants appreciated the unique roles of both peer and non-peer staff in supporting their health. Study findings have implications for integrating the use of peer-based health interventions to improve the health of people with SMI.