Self-Reported Nutrition and Physical Activity Program Utilisation among Australians with Psychosis: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Data

Objective: To describe the self-reported attendance of community nutrition and physical activity programs in the government and non-government sector among 1825 people from the Survey of High Impact Psychosis (SHIP), and identify demographics associated with overall self-reported program attendance. Additionally, to assess whether improved nutrition and physical activity outcomes were associated with program attendance. Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis of data from SHIP, descriptive statistics were generated and tests-of-association applied between program attendance, and demographics, nutrition and physical activity outcomes. Results: Just 11.6% attended a nutrition or physical activity program. Overall attendance was associated with highest education qualifications attained (p=0.004) and diagnosed disorder (p=0.022). Non-government sector attendees were more likely to con sume reduced fat milk (p=0.010), and less likely to run out of food (p=0.007). Conclusions: There is extremely low utilisation of community nutrition and physical activity programs in Australians with psychosis which is associated with certain demographics that may act as barriers. Program attendance did not show consistent association with improved nutrition or physical activity outcomes. Implications for public health: Nutrition and physical activity program utilisation should be encouraged in people with psychosis by addressing problems related to access. These programs should be evaluated locally to ensure usefulness.