Health status and problems managing physical health among chronically mentally ill outpatients: a descriptive and correlational study

A comprehensive evaluation of 25 chronically mentally ill Day Treatment Center patients revealed 140 functional health problems. Fifty-six (40%) of these health problems were considered to have a potentially major impact upon life and functioning of the individual. Twenty-one patients (84%) were found to have at least one major functional health problem, and 72% (n = 18) to have more than one major problem. Minor functional health problems were identified in 100% of the patients. A majority of the health problems identified in this study (69%, n = 96) were either undiagnosed or untreated at the time of the study. This finding highlights a need for comprehensive health assessments to be regularly provided to this population. Each of the potential barriers to obtaining and managing physical health care was endorsed by some of the patients. The significant correlations relating to health and health care management are discussed. Potential ways of helping chronically mentally ill patients access, obtain, and follow through with physical health care are discussed.