Abstract
Objective:
The objective of this study was to investigate whether consumers living with severe mental illness (SMI) receiving treatment in a secure residential rehabilitation facility considered their physical health and if limiting sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) at facility outlets influenced dietary behaviours and knowledge.
Method:
Consumers were consulted pre-implementation and outlets (vending machines and kiosks) audited pre- and post-limiting SSB. Surveys were administered six months post-implementation with 26 surveys included in analysis. Comments from open-ended questions were examined by thematic analysis and descriptive statistics calculated for knowledge and behaviours.
Results:
Physical health was important to most participants (96%, n = 25) and 46% (n = 11) stated beverage changes prompted consideration of their health. Many noticed beverage changes on-site (81%, n = 21), reported on-site purchases at least once-weekly (62%, n = 16) and usual beverage purchases were ‘healthier’ (65%, n = 17). Only 31% (n = 8) modified choices when off-site. One global theme emerged from qualitative analysis – good physical health and wellbeing is important to this cohort.
Conclusion:
Reduced availability of SSB is acceptable to many consumers; however, healthier choices in a supportive environment did not translate to behaviour change off-site. As most participants regarded physical health important, expanding the initiative within a comprehensive lifestyle strategy may facilitate sustained behaviour change and should be investigated.
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