title: Health behaviors among individuals with schizophrenia and depression.
abstract: This article presents findings from a study that evaluated the utility of Protection Motivation Theory to explain cardiovascular health behaviors among people with schizophrenia (n = 83) and depression (n = 70). Results indicated that the prevalence of overweight, cigarette smoking and a sedentary lifestyle were greater among people with a mental illness compared to individuals without a mental illness. Major predictors were high levels of fear of cardiovascular disease, lack of knowledge of correct dietary principles, lower self-efficacy, limited social support and psychiatric symptoms. Implications of these results are discussed in designing education and preventive health programs for individuals with schizophrenia and Mental Depressive Disorder (MDD).
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Loranie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Leas
authors.forename: Marita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McCabe
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012559:Schizophrenia; D014739:Victoria