Mental health literacy among primary healthcare nurses in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district
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Date
2023
Authors
Morifi, Mmatlou Gabriel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Mental health literacy (MHL) is the ability to recognise, manage and prevent mental health disorders. Primary healthcare (PHC) nurses provide mental health services in the PHC facilities to all patients seeking help, even though many of them do not have adequate levels of MHL. The study aimed to describe and explore the MHL of PHC nurses in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati (Dr RSM) district. Studies are done worldwide on MHL; few are found in South Africa (SA), while no study is in the Dr RSM district in the North West province of SA.
A quantitative research methodology, utilising cross-sectional and descriptive methods, was used for this study. Eighty-four participants participated by completing questionnaires. The PHC workers who participated in the study all worked at PHC facilities in the Dr RSM district, North West province. The PHC nurses who participated gave informed consent by signing a consent form before participating in the study. The language used for this study was English. MHL questionnaires were used for data collection from participants working at PHC facilities in Dr RSM. The collected data was captured in Excel.
Data analysis was done with the help of a biostatistician at the University of the Free State. The data analysis was done on the ability to recognise depression, suicidal thoughts, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic disorders using vignettes (scenarios). Most of the participants demonstrated good MHL by recognising these mental disorders, with an above-average percentage. They correctly identified suitable healthcare professionals for the management of mental disorders but also thought that clergy, ministers, or priests could assist. Psychotherapy and physical activities were believed to be helpful for the prevention of mental disorders, while some of the participants incorrectly indicated that alcohol would be helpful.
The recommendations include that all PHC nurses undergo the necessary mental health training to have an adequate MHL when providing mental health services. There should be six-month refresher courses for those with mental health nursing qualifications. PHC nurses interested in the field should be allowed to specialise in mental health. Mental health awareness campaigns should be mandatory at each PHC facility. There should also be collaboration with stakeholders outside of the healthcare sphere who are consulted for mental disorders.
Description
Dissertation (MNurs.(Nursing))--University of the Free State, 2023