Background of the Study
Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is a rare but severe mental health condition that occurs within the first few weeks after childbirth. Symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, and extreme mood swings, which can lead to serious risks for both the mother and the infant (Ogunleye et al., 2023). It requires immediate medical intervention, often including hospitalization, medication, and psychological support. Nurses are often the first healthcare professionals to encounter women showing signs of postpartum psychosis, which makes their preparedness crucial in providing appropriate care and ensuring patient safety.
At Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, the lack of formal training in handling PPP among nurses has raised concerns about the quality of care provided to affected women. While there are established protocols for managing mental health conditions, specific guidelines for postpartum psychosis may not be well integrated into nursing practice. Given the complexity of PPP, nurses must be well-prepared to recognize early signs, provide supportive care, and collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals. However, research suggests that many healthcare workers, including nurses, may not be adequately trained to handle the psychological aspects of postpartum mental health disorders, potentially leading to misdiagnosis or delayed intervention (Agboola et al., 2024).
This study will investigate nurses' preparedness in recognizing, managing, and intervening in cases of postpartum psychosis at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, identifying any knowledge gaps, training deficiencies, and barriers to effective care.
Statement of the Problem
Postpartum psychosis can lead to serious consequences for both mothers and their infants if not managed effectively. Nurses at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, may lack the necessary knowledge and preparedness to identify and manage PPP cases, which may result in delayed intervention or improper care. This issue raises concerns about the quality of mental health care provided to postpartum women in the hospital setting.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the level of knowledge and preparedness among nurses in handling postpartum psychosis cases at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.
To evaluate the current practices used by nurses in the management of postpartum psychosis.
To identify barriers to effective management of postpartum psychosis and recommend strategies for improving care.
Research Questions
What is the level of knowledge among nurses at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, regarding postpartum psychosis?
How do nurses at the hospital manage cases of postpartum psychosis?
What barriers prevent nurses from effectively managing postpartum psychosis cases?
Research Hypotheses
There is no significant relationship between nurses' level of knowledge and the effectiveness of their management of postpartum psychosis.
Nurses who have received specific training on postpartum psychosis are more likely to recognize and manage the condition effectively.
Institutional factors such as resources and staffing levels do not significantly affect nurses' preparedness to manage postpartum psychosis.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in the maternity and mental health units at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. Limitations include potential bias in self-reported data and a limited sample size that may not be representative of all nurses in the hospital.
Definitions of Terms
Postpartum Psychosis: A severe mental health condition that occurs after childbirth, characterized by symptoms like delusions and hallucinations.
Mental Health Nursing: A specialized area of nursing focused on the care and management of patients with mental health conditions.
Psychiatric Nursing Protocols: Guidelines and procedures designed to ensure effective mental health care for patients.
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