Awareness Program about Recommended Dietary Requirements for Psychiatric Patients

Abstract

Abstract The study aimed at examining the effect of awareness program about recommended dietary requirements for psychiatric patients. Methods: The study was conducted at outpatient clinic in the Institute of Psychiatry affiliated to Ain Shams University hospitals, using a quasi- experimental research design on a convenient sample of 50 psychiatric patients. Data were collected through an interview questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, and assessment of nutritional habits of the studied sample; nutrition assessment tools, nutrition risk assessment, and nutritional follow up. Results: The main study findings showed that, there were highly statically significant relations regarding improvements in modified nutritional supplements for depressed, schizophrenic, bipolar, and obsessive compulsive patients after conducting the program. Regarding psychiatric patients’ knowledge about healthy food, healthy nutritional habits, and patients’ awareness & readiness for change, there were highly statically significant improvements. Concerning signs and symptoms of psychiatric disorders there were highly statically significant relations in improvements for depressed, schizophrenic, bipolar and obsessive compulsive patients after conducting the program. In conclusion, the program was effective in improving psychiatric patients’ awareness, about healthy dietary requirements post intervention. The study recommended that nurses should have more contribution in counseling psychiatric patients, and their family about healthy diet and healthy habits. Further research should recommend studying the effectiveness of herbs on enhancing mental health for psychiatric patients.