Assessment of correlates of stigma in mental health nursing practice among nursing students in two universities in Nairobi-Kenya

Abstract

Background: Mental health and psychiatric nurses are important and integral members of the mental health care team offering 90% of mental health services. Stigma towards mental health nursing practice has led to acute shortage in mental health nursing workforce and consequently poor quality of mental health care. Aim: to assess the correlates of stigma towards mental health nursing practice among undergraduate Nursing students. Benefits: To appreciate the level of stigma in mental health nursing with an aim of destigmatizing the practice and thus increase the workforce in mental health nursing. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 90 students at the Universities of Nairobi and Eastern Africa Baraton. A structured questionnaire and focused group discussions were used. Ethical approval was sought form the UON/KNH ERC. Data were collected for a period of 2 weeks. Dataanalysis: The SPSS version 22 was used to analyze the quantitative data whereas the qualitative data from the focus group discussion were analyzed using deductive approach. The correlates were tested using chi-square test. The associations between variables were determined at a P-Value of ≤ 0.05. Final data are presented using frequency distribution tables, pie charts, bar graphs. Findings: Stigma in mental health nursing practice stands at 85.6% (n=87). Marital status significantly correlated with stigma towards mental health nursing practice p=0.04 (χ2 = 7.731). Belief that mental illness is due to demonic possession, shorter clinical placement, lack of motivation by the course lecturers and poor environment of practice correlated positively with stigma towards mental health nursing practice. Recommendations: Improve minimum clinical placement hours, over emphasize on general psychopathology of mental disorders, encourage thorough orientation of students in clinical area, improve sanitation of the environment of clinical practice. Dissemination: Results will be presented in scientific conferences, the two schools of nursing and other relevant stakeholders.