Understanding Physical Activity and Digital Technology Engagement Among Individuals with Severe Mental Illness in Irish Mental Health Residential Settings: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Individuals with severe mental illness engage in less physical activity than the general population and face an increased risk of early mortality. Participating in physical activity can offer numerous benefits for this cohort. Furthermore, digital exclusion is common among this cohort for various reasons. Understanding their general digital engagement and the barriers to such engagement may help develop innovative support strategies to promote physical activity and digital engagement among this population, which may prove advantageous. However, the complexities of their physical and mental health pose challenges, particularly within Irish mental health residential settings. This study aims to assess the current barriers and facilitators to physical activity and digital engagement for individuals with severe mental illness living in Irish mental health residential settings. Qualitative interviews were conducted with service users and their clinicians in an Irish mental health residential setting to understand their experiences of engaging with digital technology and physical activity. Nine out of 12 participants either met or exceeded the weekly moderate physical activity guidelines (150–300 min). No participant met the guidelines for vigorous physical activity (75–150 min). Participants demonstrated considerable variability in total step counts. Clinician support was found to be essential to facilitate physical activity and digital technology engagement for participants, while the individuals’ mental health symptoms and age acted as barriers. To enhance the physical and mental well-being of individuals with severe mental illness in an Irish mental health residential setting, digital technology may be an innovative strategy to encourage physical activity.