People with severe mental illness (SMI) are at higher risk of obesity linked to medication side effects, poor diet, inactivity, and sleep issues which increases their vulnerability to non-communicable diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Globally, 25.9% of people with SMI are obese, with rising rates in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially South Asia. Despite proven success of lifestyle interventions in high-income settings, limited evidence and context-specific barriers such as poor access to safe spaces, integrated care, and support challenge implementation in LMICs. Tailored, locally relevant interventions are urgently needed to improve outcomes for this population.
The aim of this research was to explore barriers and facilitators for a healthy diet, physical activity and good sleep in people with SMI. This will be achieved through the following objectives: 1) examine individual, community, environmental and systems level barriers and facilitators to follow a healthy diet, physical activity and good sleep; 2) explore the role and perspective of caregivers of people with SMI in improving diet, physical activity and sleep; and 3) examine healthcare providers perspectives on the barriers and facilitators towards a healthy lifestyle including healthy diet, physical activity and good sleep.
