Physical and Mental Health Behaviors among Individuals with Severe Mental Illness: A Comprehensive Needs Assessment

Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) are at greater risk for health problems and premature death when compared to the rest of the population. Information on the impact of nutrition education, physical activity, and social support on physical and mental health outcomes of people with SMI is just beginning to emerge. The primary purpose of this study was to implement a comprehensive needs assessment related to social support and health behavior among individuals with SMI in order to clarify their relationship with physical and mental health outcomes. Needs assessment information was collected from 18 participants over the course of a six-week period. Participants reported significant problems with physical health, below average ratings on physical and mental health indicators, varied use and satisfaction with social support, and current areas of need. The present study demonstrated the feasibility of using a comprehensive needs assessment tool to evaluate social support, health behavior and health outcomes of people with SMI.