Health Screening of Medical Co-Morbidities among Public Mental Health Clients
Health screenings of people with mental illnesses were conducted in four U.S. states, in order to estimate the prevalence of medical co-morbidities in this population. Also assessed was the impact of providing participants with information and encouragement for enhancing their overall health. The project was conducted in partnership with the Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey and multiple community mental health programs. Screening of the 457 participants included measures of weight, height, and waist circumference to calculate body mass index; blood pressure; glycolated hemoglobin (A1c); blood lipids; nicotine use and dependence; and risk for drug and alcohol disorders. Participants also provided information about their demographic characteristics, current health status, health beliefs, and engagement with primary health care.
Study results suggest that compared to the U.S. population, prevalence for assessed participants was significantly higher for 14 out of 17 medical conditions. The 5 most common were hyperlipidemia (45%), hypertension (44%), asthma (28%), arthritis (22%), and diabetes (21%). Treatment prevalence was below 70% for approximately half of ongoing conditions. When comparing health attitudes before and after the screening, participants felt significantly more competent to maintain their health, more able to engage in health care practices, and more able to exercise personal control over their health. Additional analyses explored the prevalence and predictors of obesity, diabetes, and nicotine dependence among our health fair participants.
Access our published research on the health screening study in our Repository of Research Articles.
Download a step-by-step guide for conducting your own health fair, listen to a podcast, and watch a how-to webinar.
Download the Health Passport that we used to share participants' screening results with them.
View photos taken at the health fairs in Chicago and in Maryland.
Study results suggest that compared to the U.S. population, prevalence for assessed participants was significantly higher for 14 out of 17 medical conditions. The 5 most common were hyperlipidemia (45%), hypertension (44%), asthma (28%), arthritis (22%), and diabetes (21%). Treatment prevalence was below 70% for approximately half of ongoing conditions. When comparing health attitudes before and after the screening, participants felt significantly more competent to maintain their health, more able to engage in health care practices, and more able to exercise personal control over their health. Additional analyses explored the prevalence and predictors of obesity, diabetes, and nicotine dependence among our health fair participants.
Access our published research on the health screening study in our Repository of Research Articles.
Download a step-by-step guide for conducting your own health fair, listen to a podcast, and watch a how-to webinar.
Download the Health Passport that we used to share participants' screening results with them.
View photos taken at the health fairs in Chicago and in Maryland.
