Back to basics: Informing the public of co-morbid physical health problems in those with mental illness

Author:

Ahire Mrinalini1,Sheridan Judith23,Regbetz Shane43,Stacey Phillip23,Scott James G156

Affiliation:

1. School of Medicine, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, Australia

2. Allied Health Research Collaborative (Mental Health), Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Australia

3. Queensland University of Technology, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Kelvin Grove, Australia

4. Redcliffe–Caboolture Mental Health Service, Redcliffe, Australia

5. Metro North Mental Health, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, Australia

6. Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Australia

Abstract

Objective: Those with mental illness are at increased risk of physical health problems. The current study aimed to examine the information available online to the Australian public about the increased risk and consequences of physical illness in those with mental health problems and the services available to address these co-morbidities. Methods: A structured online search was conducted with the search engine Google Australia ( www.google.com.au ) using generic search terms ‘mental health information Australia’, ‘mental illness information Australia’, ‘depression’, ‘anxiety’, and ‘psychosis’. The direct content of websites was examined for information on the physical co-morbidities of mental illness. All external links on high-profile websites [the first five websites retrieved under each search term ( n = 25)] were examined for information pertaining to physical health. Results: Only 4.2% of websites informing the public about mental health contained direct content information about the increased risk of physical co-morbidities. The Australian Government’s Department of Health and Ageing site did not contain any information. Of the high-profile websites, 62% had external links to resources about physical health and 55% had recommendations or resources for physical health. Most recommendations were generic. Conclusions: Relative to the seriousness of this problem, there is a paucity of information available to the public about the increased physical health risks associated with mental illness. Improved public awareness is the starting point of addressing this health inequity.

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Subject

Psychiatry and Mental health,General Medicine

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