A population-based survey of barriers and enablers to physical activity in people using, and working in a mental health service in Scotland

Research into physical activity in people who experience mental disorders has tended to focus on those who have agreed to participate in exercise programmes. For effective health promotion across this population, it is important to understand the barriers and enablers to increasing physical activity in all of those who use mental health services. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from consecutive service users and all staff in a General Adult Mental Health Service in Scotland. Thematic analysis was undertaken. A total of 127 service users and 186 staff participated. Data saturation was achieved. Staff and service users identified different barriers and enablers towards increasing physical activity rates. Different themes were identified in our population compared with those researched in other studies who had agreed to participate in exercise programmes. Our findings suggest there is a role for education, activity scheduling, motivational interviewing, social skills training and cognitive-behavioural therapy style interventions.