Knowledge of mental disorders in primary healthcare nurses in the Western Cape, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Mental disorders remain a global health burden. The integration of mental health services into primary healthcare (PHC) can contribute to reduction of this burden. However, studies have reported PHC nurses’ lack of knowledge of mental disorders, which leads to their negative attitudes towards people with mental disorders preventing them from seeking help.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge levels of PHC nurses regarding mental disorders in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Method: A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 246 PHC nurses in the Cape Town metropole. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests and independent sample tests. A cut-off value of ≥ 80% was used to determine the sufficient levels of knowledge.

Results: The average knowledge score (15.6; 78.0%) was below the cut-off value of ≥ 80%, indicating insufficient levels of knowledge. Sufficient levels of knowledge were found for over half of the respondents (139, 59.4%). Most of the respondents were knowledgeable about the symptoms of depression (221, 94.4 %), bipolar (217, 92.7%), schizophrenia (213, 91.0%) and anxiety disorders (209, 89.3%).

Conclusion: Over half of the PHC nurses could identify the signs and symptoms of common mental disorders. However, the knowledge of dysthymia and psychosis requires more attention.

Contribution: This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge in nursing practice and education related to mental disorders.