Effect of Educational Program on Nurses' Attitudes and Practices Regarding Provision of Physical Health Care for Patients with Severe Mental Illness

Elsayed Abd Elkawy Osman, Fareda; Mohamed Abdel-Aziz Barakat, Mona

doi:10.21608/ejnsr.2023.277944

Effect of Educational Program on Nurses' Attitudes and Practices Regarding Provision of Physical Health Care for Patients with Severe Mental Illness

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University

² Assistant Professor of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University.

10.21608/ejnsr.2023.277944

Abstract

Background: Recent studies have shown that patients with mental illnesses have higher mortality and morbidity rates due to long-term physical conditions and lifestyle diseases. Aim of the study: The study aimed to examine the effect of educational program on nurses' attitudes and practices regarding provision of physical health care for patients with severe mental illness. Setting: The study was conducted at Tanta Mental Health Hospital in Tanta city; Egypt, which affiliated to General Secretariat of Mental Health. Research design: Quasi-experimental research design (single-group, pre/post-test) was utilized in this study. Subjects: 60 nurses were constituted in this study using convenient method of sampling. Tools: the study data was collected using two tools: Tool I: Socio-demographic and professional characteristics Questionnaire, tool II: Physical Health Attitude Scale (PHASe) Results: After attending educational program, studied nurses' total scores of attitude and practice regarding provision of physical healthcare were found to be significantly increased, and also result in reduction of training needs. Conclusion: Educational program regarding provision of physical health care for patients with severe mental illness has a positive effect on improving nurses’ attitude and practice. Recommendation: Continuous educational training programs related to physical health care to patients with mental illness should be recommended for nurses.

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