Physical activity of inpatients under forensic mental health care: A mixed methods study of patient knowledge, preferences, practices and identified barriers

Abstract

Few studies have reported the perspectives of inpatients under forensic mental health care with regards to their physical activity and the barriers they face. This mix-methods study reports perspectives on physical activity of 28 patients under forensic mental health care using a structured questionnaire and semi-structured interview. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise patient data. Physical activity knowledge, preferences, practices and barriers were qualitatively examined by thematic analysis. Five themes were identified: (1) while physical activity is viewed as important and beneficial by patients, knowledge remains lacking; (2) patients under forensic mental health care have individual physical activity preferences, goals and motivations; (3) environmental context and social influences impact engagement in physical activity; (4) confidence and skills play a role in physical activity planning and adherence; and (5) perceived barriers to physical activity include individual, service-related and environmental factors. This study highlights the overall preference expressed by forensic patients for lower intensity activity supervised by a known and supportive staff member. Forensic services need to be adaptive when considering how to offer physical activity opportunities while managing several service-related challenges.