Mental health literacy of undergraduate nursing students at a university in the Western Cape
Year: 2019
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Mental illness is recognised as a global public health concern due to the significant amount of morbidity and disability accounted for by mental illness.Additionally, the stigma and discrimination towards mentally ill persons are a global concern and have a significant impact on public health.Limited knowledge, negative attitudes and discriminatory behaviours are associated with reduced help-seeking behaviour, under-treatment and social exclusion of mentally ill persons.Ignorance about mental health problems has contributed significantly to stigmatisation resulting in the coining of the term 'mental health literacy'.Research suggests that nursing students have mental health literacy levels comparable to those of the general public or layperson at the start of their studies, and various other studies report that nursing students have negative attitudes towards, and poor knowledge of, mental illness.It is therefore important to address the mental health literacy of undergraduate nursing students, as a lack of skills and negative perceptions create a barrier to nursing students' ability to engage with, and care for, mentally ill patients. Aim and objectives:The aim of the study was to determine the mental health literacy of undergraduate nursing students at a selected university in the Western Cape, South Africa.The study had two objectives, which were (1) to determine undergraduate nursing students' knowledge of mental illness and (2) to determine undergraduate nursing students' attitudes that promote recognition of mental disorders and help-seeking.Method: A quantitative, descriptive survey design was used to conduct this study at a university in the Western Cape.The target population consisted of 1162 student nurses who were registered in the Bachelor of Nursing programme at the selected university in 2019.The sample for the study was 294 nursing students.http://etd.uwc.ac.za/A special thank you to my supervisor, Dr Penelope Martin, for her guidance, support, motivation and availability.I appreciate all the effort and time
Author: Cassandra Petersen
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3013886331