OWLS COHORT
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optimising Wellbeing in Severe Mental Ill Health
IRAS ID
299721
Contact name
Emily Peckham
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of York
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Research Summary
People with severe mental illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have a reduced life expectancy of around 20-25 years compared to those without such disorders (referred to as ‘the mortality gap’).The causes of the mortality gap are multiple and include chronic, preventable and modifiable physical health problems such as heart disease, chronic respiratory illness, diabetes, smoking and cancers associated with lifestyle, an adverse environment and failures in health services. These diseases can be prevented or moderated via health and lifestyle interventions, and the natural, built and socio-cultural environment in which people with SMI live. Living in deprived circumstances exacerbates the profound inequalities experienced by people with SMI, which have been increasing year on year.
The purpose of this pilot cohort study is to:
i. establish the feasibility of forming a longitudinal cohort of people with SMI
ii. follow up people who took part in the OWLS Study to explore whether and how the COVID-19 pandemic has had any lasting impact on their lives.Though a series of questionnaires (one questionnaire every six months for five years) will explore the risk factors for smoking, activity levels, diet and alcohol use. In relation to COVID -19 we will continue exploring the effects of the pandemic restrictions, health related behaviours and loneliness. People who took part in the OWLS study and consented to re-contact will be telephoned and invited to take part in the OWLS Cohort. Those who wish to take part will be provided with information about the study and how to take part.
Embedded within this project will be qualitative interviews, the topics explored will be determined by the questionnaire responses and areas identified as needing further exploration. We will seek REC approval for specific interviews via amendment.
Summary of Results
Optimising Wellbeing in Severe Mental Ill Health (OWLS) Study People with severe mental illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have a reduced life expectancy compared to those without such disorders (referred to as 'the mortality gap'). The causes of the mortality gap are multiple and include chronic, preventable and modifiable physical health problems such as heart disease, chronic respiratory illness, diabetes, smoking and cancers associated with lifestyle, an adverse environment and failures in health services. These diseases can be prevented or moderated with health and lifestyle interventions, and the natural, built and socio-cultural environment in which people with SMI live.
The aim of the OWLS Study was to pilot a longitudinal cohort of people with SMI to investigate health, the determinants of health and reduce health inequalities. It involved 215 people who had taken part in a previous health and wellbeing study during the COVID 19 pandemic and agreed to take part in this follow-on study. Participants were recruited from 17 mental health trusts and in six clinical research networks areas across urban and rural settings in England. Over the life for of the study they were invited to complete three surveys about different aspects of their health and wellbeing. They could complete the surveys online, on paper or on the telephone. Each survey had a few questions that remained the same and some new questions about specific topics. 21 people also volunteered to take part in a telephone interview about their experiences of living with severe mental illness and a long-term physical health condition.
A small group of people living with severe mental illness kindly acted as advisors to the study e.g. helping the study team design the surveys, shaping the interview questions and reviewing information sheets etc. After each stage of the study, participants were thanked and findings were fed back to in a variety of way, include postcards and bookmarks highlighting key finding, and accessible summaries were available on the project website.
The final summary sent to participants highlighted the following two key findings:
* People with SMI are more likely to lack digital skill than people without SMI (42% compared to 16%) and experience digital exclusion, highlighting the need for better training and support among people with SMI to increase digital skills.
* People who had a pet generally reported a strong sense of companionship with their animal, but this was not significantly associated with better wellbeing, depression, anxiety, or loneliness scores.
Whilst emerging finding from the interview sub-study suggested that:
* Living with SMI and a long-term physical condition is complex. People described: barriers to living well; making trade-offs; uncertain futures; and a sense of loss or life narrowing. However, they also reported great resilience, highlighting: self-management skills; supportive networks and relationships; and self-awareness.
* Response from services was crucial. Negative service responses included, the separation of physical and mental health care, and gaps in services. Conversely, a good relationship with health care practitioners and a compassionate approach were seen as making a positive difference.REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
21/WA/0239
Date of REC Opinion
18 Aug 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion