title: Self-reported health, health behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs of regional mental health consumers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article reports baseline data from a randomized controlled trial investigating the impact of a specialist cardiometabolic healthcare nurse on physical health care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Survey of community-based mental health consumers randomized to a cardiometabolic health nurse intervention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings show a high prevalence of respiratory conditions, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and low quality of life. Participants reported regular blood pressure but infrequent cholesterol and blood glucose testing. Few received advice about smoking cessation, diet, or physical activity. Participants were mostly satisfied with physical healthcare provision; however, positive health behaviors are lacking.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An individualized intervention based on knowledge and attitudes may be necessary.
authors.affiliation: Mental Health Nursing, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Mental Health Nursing Innovation, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia; Institute for Health and Social Science Research, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Happell
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hoey
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stanton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D057566:Self Report
keywords: Attitudes; cardiometabolic health; health behaviors; mental health nursing; physical health; quality of life