An investigation of nurses' awareness and management of psychiatric disorders in postnatal women at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital
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Background of the study
Psychiatric disorders in postnatal women, commonly referred to as postpartum psychiatric disorders, are a significant public health concern worldwide. These disorders include postpartum depression, anxiety, and in more severe cases, postpartum psychosis, which can have profound effects on both the mother and the newborn (Murray et al., 2024). In Nigeria, mental health disorders are often underdiagnosed and underreported due to stigma, lack of awareness, and insufficient mental health training for healthcare professionals (Adebayo et al., 2023). Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), as a major healthcare provider in the region, encounters a variety of maternal health issues, including those related to mental health. Nurses, being at the forefront of postnatal care, play a critical role in identifying and managing these psychiatric disorders. However, their awareness and competency in handling psychiatric conditions in postnatal women remain poorly understood.
Studies have shown that nurses, particularly those in maternity and postnatal care units, may not be sufficiently trained or equipped to identify the signs of psychiatric disorders such as postpartum depression or psychosis (Oluwaseun et al., 2023). This gap in knowledge and skills can delay diagnosis and intervention, potentially leading to severe consequences for the mother and infant (Ajayi et al., 2023). Furthermore, the lack of standard guidelines or training on the management of psychiatric disorders in postnatal women exacerbates the challenge. While research in other parts of the world has highlighted the importance of early detection and appropriate management, little attention has been paid to the role of nurses in addressing these issues within Nigerian hospitals, especially in resource-limited settings like ESUTH.
Given the central role of nurses in maternal healthcare, understanding their awareness and practices related to psychiatric disorders in postnatal women at ESUTH is crucial for improving early detection, intervention, and referral pathways. This study seeks to investigate the extent of nurses’ knowledge about psychiatric disorders in postnatal women and assess their management practices in treating or referring these cases at ESUTH.
Statement of the problem
Postnatal psychiatric disorders are significant but often overlooked conditions that can impact the health of both the mother and child. Despite the importance of recognizing these disorders early, there is a lack of adequate training and awareness among nurses in Nigerian hospitals, including ESUTH, regarding the identification and management of psychiatric conditions in postnatal women. This gap in awareness and management can delay timely intervention and worsen outcomes for women suffering from postpartum psychiatric disorders. There is an urgent need to assess nurses’ knowledge and practices to identify the barriers and opportunities for improving care for postnatal women with psychiatric disorders.
Objectives of the study
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To assess the level of nurses’ awareness of psychiatric disorders in postnatal women at ESUTH.
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To evaluate the management practices employed by nurses in dealing with psychiatric disorders in postnatal women at ESUTH.
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To identify the challenges nurses face in managing psychiatric disorders in postnatal women at ESUTH.
Research questions
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What is the level of awareness among nurses about psychiatric disorders in postnatal women at ESUTH?
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What are the management practices employed by nurses for psychiatric disorders in postnatal women at ESUTH?
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What challenges do nurses face in managing psychiatric disorders in postnatal women at ESUTH?
Research hypotheses
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Nurses at ESUTH have limited awareness of psychiatric disorders in postnatal women.
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There is a significant relationship between nurses' awareness of psychiatric disorders and their management practices.
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Lack of training and resources significantly hinders the management of psychiatric disorders in postnatal women at ESUTH.
Scope and limitations of the study
The study will focus on nurses working in the postnatal and maternity departments of ESUTH. The scope will be limited to evaluating their awareness and management practices regarding psychiatric disorders in postnatal women. One potential limitation of the study is the reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce biases such as overreporting adherence to protocols. Additionally, resource constraints might limit the ability to survey all nurses involved in postnatal care.
Definitions of terms
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Psychiatric disorders: Mental health conditions that affect mood, thoughts, and behavior, such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
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Postnatal women: Women who have recently given birth, typically within the first 6 weeks after delivery.
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Awareness: The knowledge or understanding of psychiatric disorders and their symptoms in postnatal women.
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