30^th International Conference on Psychiatry and Mental Health August 14-15, 2019 Tokyo, Japan

Biography:

Dr Nigila Ravichandran MBBS (India), Master of Medicine (Psychiatry) (NUS Singapore), Dip Hypnotherapy (LCCH) Adjunct Assistant Professor, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (Singapore) Senior Lecturer, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (Singapore) Consultant, Psychiatrist, Institute of Mental Health (Singapore) 17 years of experience working in the field of mental health, in areas of clinical psychiatry, academic teaching and research Passion for community causes, speaker at Community events and forums, television and health fairs on mental wellness and mental health conditions Board member of Club2Care, charity organization, geared towards creating awareness about mental health, training and counselling community partners and building a mentally healthy society

Abstract:

Background

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness causing significant socio-occupational impairment. Although occupational opportunities usually correspond with educational qualifications, research shows that several factors influence employment among mentally ill ⁽¹⁾. Higher education correlates with better outcome with rehabilitative measures like cognitive training ⁽²⁾.

An observational study was conducted at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), the tertiary mental healthcare and rehabilitation centre at Singapore, to identify major variables associated with employment among patients with Schizophrenia.

In Singapore, all residents receive at least primary level education.

Objectives

To explore whether educational status determines employability and job sustainability in persons with schizophrenia.

Methods

Residents of Singapore with DSM-IV diagnosis of Schizophrenia attending IMH clinics were included for study. Relevant data was collected from 120 consenting participants.

Results

Of the 120 participants, 49.2% had attained secondary education and 18.3% employed; 31.7% had university education and 15% were employed. In total, 38.3% were working at time of study and 60.8% in the past.

87.5% (43% secondary and 30% university educated respectively) participants had rehabilitation potential as expressed by self-interest and past employment.

Conclusions

Educational level only facilitates initial job-seeking and does not ensure long-term employment; but it improves potential for rehabilitation, which in turn enhances job sustainability in mentally unwell persons.

Biography:

Lynnette Lyzwinski is completed her PhD in Medicine at the school of Medicine at UQ in the Department of Psychiatry and the Centre for Online Health. Her research interests include clinical trials and health promotions behaviors for promoting mental wellbeing and reducing lifestyle behavioral risk factors. She has special interests in mHealth, mindfulness, and lifestyle medicine.

Abstract:

Background: University students are at risk of weight gain during their studies. Key factors related to weight gain in this population include unhealthy weight related behaviors due to stress. Mindfulness holds promise for weight management. However, there has not been a previous trial that has explored the effectiveness of a student-tailored mindfulness app for stress, weight related behavior’s and weight. There is limited evidence that current mindfulness apps use evidence-based mindfulness techniques. A novel app was developed that combined evidence-based mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindful eating techniques that were tailored to university students, with student relevant themes for targeting weight behavior’s, weigh and stress.

Method: A two arm Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) of 11 weeks duration was undertaken at the University of Queensland. Students were randomized to the mindfulness app (N=45) or to a behavioral self-monitoring electronic diary (e-diary) (N=45) for diet and exercise. Analysis of covariance was used to compare differences in weight, stress, mindfulness, mindful eating, physical activity and eating behaviors between both groups.

Results: Neither the mindfulness app group nor the e-diary group lost weight nor there were no differences between groups at follow-up. The mindfulness app group had significantly lower stress levels (adherers only), lower emotional eating and uncontrolled eating as well as higher mindfulness and mindful eating levels overall (p-values<0.05). The e-diary group had Higher Metabolic Equivalents (MET) of moderate activity levels (p-value<0.05). However, the effect sizes were small. Regular adherence to the mindfulness exercises in the app was low in the group. The majority of students (94%) liked the app and found it to be acceptable. The most helpful reported meditation was the short breathing exercise observing the breath (39.5% preferred it) compared with other exercises.

Conclusion: A mindfulness app demonstrated effectiveness for stress, eating behaviors, mindfulness as well as mindful eating but the effect sizes were small. Future studies should be conducted over longer periods of time and with greater participant compliance.

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