ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF NURSING STAFF TOWARDS MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS IN JIMMA ZONE, SOUTH WESTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nursing staffs are in the front line in caring of psychiatric patients. However, their attitude and knowledge pertaining to mental health problems is not fully assessed. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of nursing staffs of Jimma zone towards mental health problems.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 12 health centers of Jimma zone and two hospitals (Jimma and Limu) in the month of December 2003 to assess the knowledge and attitude of nurses towards mental health problems. Amharic version Structured questionnaires were distributed to each nursing staffs for self administration. The collected data were entered in to SPSS-11 for window and analyzed using chi- square and Analysis of Variance (F-test).

RESULTS: A total of 135 nurses were studied with a response rate of 89.4%. The socio- demographic profiles of the respondent revealed that majority of them were females (57%), diplomas (62%), singles (60%), Oromos (40%) and Orthodox Christians (42%). Self neglect, sleep disturbance, aggressive and talkativeness were the commonest perceived symptoms of mental health problems. Biochemical disturbance, poverty, other Non-mental and evil spirit were implicated as causes of mental health problem. Fifty thirty-four percent of respondents labeled major depressive disorder (MDD) and Schizophrenia as minor diseases respectively. A person with MDD was said to be Insane' and 'dangerous' by 22 and 26% of respondents respectively. On the other hand, 44 and 17% of nurses respectively said that the person with vignettes of schizophrenia is sante" and dangerous! Majority of the respondents seems to have positive attitude on the functioning the persons with MDD and Schizophrenia. However, One out of five kurses had negative attitude on the marital prospect

CLUSION: Refreshing courses af working areas pertaining to mental health blems should be given to nurses to change their negative views to mentally ill patients.