Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Supervisor

Forchuk, Cheryl

Abstract

People suffering from mental illness are three times more likely to die prematurely from ‘natural’ causes than those without mental disorders as a result of their physical condition. Their life expectancy is reduced by 12-19 years. Obesity is commonly associated with mental illness and accounts for increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke, heart disease, some cancers and osteoarthritis. This paper examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and health-related quality of life perception using the Short-Form Health Survey 36 among people living with mental illness. A Multivariate Multiple Regression model was employed to estimate the variables that influence and/or contribute to the relationship between body mass index and the three domains of health perception chosen based on preliminary tests. Sex, financial adequacy, presence of chronic physical illness and unmet needs of healthcare were the mediators used in this model. BMI, chronic physical illness and unmet needs of healthcare estimated a relationship of a participant’s physical functioning.

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