Background of the Study
Substance addiction remains a global public health issue, and Nigeria is no exception. Psychiatric nurses are at the forefront of managing drug-addicted patients, who often present with complex physical, psychological, and social challenges. These include aggressive behavior, withdrawal symptoms, and co-occurring mental health disorders, which require specialized care and resilience from healthcare providers (Oluwole et al., 2024).
In Lagos State, the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital is a leading institution addressing drug addiction. Despite the critical role of psychiatric nurses, they often face significant barriers in providing effective care, including inadequate resources, stigma, and safety concerns (Ezenwa et al., 2023). This study explores these challenges to inform policies and interventions that can enhance the support system for psychiatric nurses.
Statement of the Problem
Psychiatric nurses managing drug-addicted patients often experience stress, burnout, and reduced job satisfaction due to the complexities of care. At the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Lagos State, these challenges are compounded by high patient volumes, limited resources, and societal stigma.
The absence of targeted research into these challenges restricts the development of effective support mechanisms for nurses. This study seeks to identify and appraise the key challenges faced by psychiatric nurses, providing insights to improve their working conditions and patient outcomes.
Objectives of the Study
1. To identify the primary challenges psychiatric nurses face in managing drug-addicted patients.
2. To assess the impact of these challenges on nurses’ performance and well-being.
3. To recommend strategies for supporting psychiatric nurses in managing drug addiction cases.
Research Questions
1. What are the primary challenges psychiatric nurses face in managing drug-addicted patients?
2. How do these challenges affect nurses’ performance and psychological well-being?
3. What strategies can be implemented to support psychiatric nurses in this role?
Research Hypotheses
1. Psychiatric nurses face significant challenges in managing drug-addicted patients at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Lagos State.
2. These challenges negatively impact nurses’ performance and well-being.
3. Implementing targeted support strategies will improve nurses’ ability to manage drug-addicted patients effectively.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on psychiatric nurses at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Lagos State, working with drug-addicted patients between 2023 and 2025. Limitations include potential biases in self-reported data and the inability to generalize findings to other healthcare institutions.
Definitions of Terms
• Drug Addiction: A chronic disease characterized by compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences.
• Psychiatric Nurses: Nurses specializing in the care of individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.
• Challenges: Barriers or difficulties encountered in the course of performing professional duties.
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