Moving Towards Wellness: Physical activity practices, perspectives, and preferences of users of outpatient mental health service

Abstract Objective This study assessed the beliefs, barriers and preferences for physical activity (PA) among users of outpatient mental health (MH) services. Outpatient discussions with MH providers were also evaluated. Method Between September–December 2014, patient advisors approached adult and family members in an academic MH clinic's waiting room on high volume patient visit days during peak clinic hours; 83% participated in the survey. Analyses were restricted to MH services users ( n  = 295). Results Fully 84% of respondents reported a link between PA and their mood or anxiety level and 85% wanted to be more active. Less than half currently met US PA guidelines (≥ 150 min/week). Most (52%) reported their mood limited their involvement in PA. Only 37% reported their MH providers regularly discussed PA with them. Beliefs about the benefits of physical activity ( p p  = 0.03), and wanting to be more physically active ( p  = 0.02) were significant predictors of PA (min/week) in the multivariate linear regression model. Conclusions Most MH outpatients may need and want assistance in increasing PA. Patient-centered research could inform the development of PA programs in MH settings.