1. A retrospective study on a screening program for physical health problems in community mental health service users.
- Author
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Saraceni, S., Mattei, G., Baccari, F., Tedeschini, E., Starace, F., and Galeazzi, G.
- Subjects
MENTAL health screening ,COMMUNITY mental health services ,MENTAL illness ,MEDICAL screening ,HEALTH programs ,MENTAL health personnel ,WAIST circumference - Abstract
Introduction: Physical illnesses represent a major cause of mortality for people affected by severe psychiatric disorders. Studies suggest that the underlining metabolic risk factors can be potentially reverted by means of proper assessment and treatments. Objectives: To describe a physical health screening program named "Giornata del Benessere" (GDB), and to assess the efficacy of such intervention. Methods: The study was designed as a retrospective observational study. Data were collected, by means of a screening form, during eight events conducted from 2014 to 2018 in the Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) of Modena Mental Health Department. Data were statistically analyzed. Results: The GDB showed a noticeable improvement in the proportion of subjects who received a screening for physical health. A significant increase was found in the rates of documentation of key clinical features (BMI, abdominal circumference, blood pressure, EKG, and laboratory tests), and of specific monitoring for antipsychotics agents. Contacts between mental health professionals and general practitioners significantly increased over the years. Also, the prescription of atypical antipsychotics and lithium salts were predictors of receiving a full physical health screening. Rates of obesity, high waist circumference, and hypertension did not change overtime. Furthermore, as far as the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is concerned, a decreasing trend from the first to the last eventwas noted. Conclusions: The GDB was able to improve the screening practice and clinical outcomes, as estimated rates of MetS. Such a program could be further implemented by means of structured lifestyle interventions offered by CMHCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020