1. Prevalence of Medical Co-morbidities among Adults Recovering from Serious Mental Illnesses Dennis D. Grey, BA, Judith A. Cook, PhD, Lisa A. Razzano, PhD, CPRP, Peggy Swarbrick, PhD, Jessica A. Jonikas, MA, Larisa Burke, BA, Chantelle Yost, BA, Tina Carter, BA, & Marie M. Hamilton, LCSW, MPH UIC National Research & Training Center on Co-Occurring Medical Conditions, Center on Mental Health Services Research & Policy A higher prevalence of most but not all medical conditions was found, and participants' health efficacy improved following fair participation. Health risk screening can help address epidemiologic, education, and prevention goals for this vulnerable population. Methods Results Conclusions Background Prevalence of medical co-morbidities among adults with serious mental illnesses was assessed via community health fairs at which peer health educators reviewed results with participants post-screening. It was hypothesized that co-morbidities would be more prevalent than in the general population. Significant post-test improvement in health attitudes, abilities, and efficacy also was predicted. Three hundred forty nine (N=349) community mental health program clients in NJ, MD and IL attended health fairs run collaboratively by university researchers and peer wellness staff. Conditions tested included: diabetes; BMI/obesity; hyperlipidemia; hypertension; smoking and nicotine dependence; drug/alcohol abuse; and heart attack risk. Participants also completed pre/post assessments of multidimensional health locus of control (MHLOC) and wellness attitudes/behaviors. Random regression examined improvement controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, and site. UIC Health Screening Data for Health Risks vs. U.S. Population Rates from National Data Sources Health Screening% (N=349)% @ RiskGeneral Pop. Body Mass Index < 18.5 = Underweight 18.5 - 24.9 = Normal 25.0 – 29.9 = Overweight 30 + = Obese 2% (7) 16% (54) 22% (76) 60% (209) 82% (285) 68% Population Total Cholesterol < 200 mg/dL = Healthy 201 – 239 mg/dL = Elevated 240+ mg/dl = High Non-reactive Test 74% (255) 16% (55) 5% (18) 21% (73) 16% Population A1C 4% - 6% = Balanced 5.7 – 6.4% Prediabetes 6.5% or higher = Diabetes Non-reactive Test 58% (202) 24% (82) 14% (48) 4% (15) 38% (130) 8% Population (Diabetic) Blood Pressure 120/80 = Healthy 120-139/80-89 = Pre-Hyperten. 139+/89+ = Hypertensive 36% (123) 32% (112) 33% Population Total Proportion Smoking42% (145) 21% Population Nicotine Dependence 0-3 = Very low to Low 4-10 = Medium to Very high 38% (53) 62% (86) 57% Population Audit-C No Risk At Risk 83% (282) 17% (58) 8% Population (Alcohol Abuse) DAST 0 = No Issues 1 – 2 = Low Risk 3 – 5 = Moderate Risk 6 – 8+ = At Risk 80% (271) 11% (39) 5% (16) 4% (13) 9% (29) 2% Population (Drug Abuse) Ave. Framingham Risk Score < 10% = Low 11%-19% = Medium >20% = High 78% (261) 11% (38) 3% Population This research is funded by NIDRR & SAMHSA; H133G100028, J.A. Cook, PI Results of Multivariable Random Regression Analyses: Measures of Health Attitudes Measure(s) RRM estimatesignificance Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices0.69.01 Perceived Competence for Health Maintenance0.91.001 Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Factors Internal Control Powerful Others Chance 0.61 1.74 --.05.001 ns Study Sample (N=349*) Demographics Gender: Male = 56%; Female = 44% Race/Ethnicity: Caucasian/White = 47%; African American/Black = 39%; Multi-Racial = 4%; Asian American = 2%; American Indian/Alaska Natives = 1%; Other Racial Background = 7% Hispanic/Latino: 9% Education: No Schooling/Some HS = 21%; High School/GED = 28%; Voc/Technical = 7%; Some College = 26%; Associate’s Degree = 5%; BAs = 7%;Some Graduate School = 1%; MAs = 3%; Other Professional = 1%; DK = <1% Most Recent Diagnosis Schizophrenia = 45%; Bipolar Disorder = 21%; Depression = 25%; Anxiety Disorder = 3%; Personality Disorders = 1%; Other = 4%; DK = 1% Working for Pay: 36% Enrolled in School: 10% Insurance Sources:** Medicaid = 41%; Medicare = 28%; Dual Eligible = 33%; Private Insurance = 12%; Veteran’s AHB = 1%; Other = 4%; No Insurance = 5% *Reflects valid percent/excludes missing data **Values do not add to 100% as participants could report multiple sources Discussion Overall, a higher proportion of participants screened positive for health risks compared to rates among those in the U.S. adult general population. In some cases, rates of health risk were commensurate with general population estimates due to the higher number of individuals in recovery diagnosed with chronic health conditions, but who also are managing them both with pharmacological interventions and services supports. Results also support that health fairs can affect change in specific health attitudes and self-rated health abilities as measured with standard indicators.