A pilot study exploring nursing knowledge of depression and suicidal ideation in Kenya

Timothy Muga, Gladys Mbuthia, Samwel Maina Gatimu, Rachel Rossiter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Nurses play key roles in recognizing, diagnosing, managing, and referring persons with mental disorders. This cross-sectional study assessed mental health literacy (depression and suicidal ideation)among nurses in a private urban referral hospital in Kenya. Nurses read a vignette and answered questions regarding diagnosis, treatment/interventions, and related attitudes and beliefs. Thirty-seven nurses (12 males) completed the questionnaire. Three correctly identified the diagnosis and 23 identified depression only. Although 75% noted the symptoms were extremely distressing, fear, and stigma were common reactions. This highlights challenges in mental health promotion/prevention in Kenya, and suggests continuous nursing education and curriculum enhancement is needed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)15-20
Number of pages6
JournalIssues in Mental Health Nursing
Volume40
Issue number1
Early online date15 Aug 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 02 Jan 2019

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