Background of the Study
Mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, are common among elderly patients but often go undiagnosed in healthcare settings. Early identification of mental health conditions can significantly improve patient well-being, yet screening remains inconsistent, particularly in non-psychiatric settings (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024). Nurses play a vital role in patient assessment and monitoring, making their involvement in mental health screening crucial for early detection and intervention (Patel & Ahmed, 2023).
Elderly patients frequently present with medical conditions that mask underlying mental health disorders, leading to misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment (Smith et al., 2023). The integration of mental health screening into routine nursing care could enhance the recognition of psychological distress, allowing for timely referrals and improved patient management (Taylor et al., 2024). However, in many healthcare facilities, including Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Sokoto, the extent of nurses' involvement in mental health screening remains unclear.
This study aims to evaluate the level of nurses' participation in mental health screening for elderly patients at FMC Sokoto, identifying barriers to effective implementation and strategies for improvement.
Statement of the Problem
Mental health conditions among elderly patients are often overlooked due to a lack of routine screening in general medical wards (Bello et al., 2023). Despite the critical role nurses play in patient assessment, studies indicate that many nurses receive inadequate training in mental health screening, leading to missed diagnoses and poor patient outcomes (Ibrahim & Musa, 2024).
At FMC Sokoto, it is unclear how actively nurses participate in screening elderly patients for mental health disorders. If nurses are not sufficiently involved, early signs of conditions such as depression, dementia, and anxiety may go unnoticed, resulting in increased morbidity and reduced quality of life for elderly patients. This study seeks to evaluate the extent of nurses’ involvement in mental health screening and identify factors affecting their participation.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the level of nurses' involvement in mental health screening for elderly patients at FMC Sokoto.
2. To identify barriers to effective mental health screening by nurses.
3. To explore strategies for enhancing nurses’ role in mental health assessment for elderly patients.
Research Questions
1. To what extent are nurses involved in mental health screening for elderly patients at FMC Sokoto?
2. What challenges hinder nurses from effectively conducting mental health screenings?
3. What strategies can be implemented to improve nurses’ participation in mental health screening?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses at FMC Sokoto are actively involved in mental health screening for elderly patients.
2. Barriers such as lack of training and time constraints hinder nurses from conducting effective mental health screenings.
3. Implementing structured training programs improves nurses' participation in mental health assessment.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses at FMC Sokoto, assessing their involvement in mental health screening for elderly patients. Limitations may include variations in nurses’ experience levels, institutional policies on mental health assessment, and potential reluctance among patients to disclose mental health concerns.
Definitions of Terms
• Mental Health Screening: The process of evaluating patients for psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive disorders.
• Elderly Patients: Individuals aged 60 years and above receiving medical care.
• Nurses’ Involvement: The extent to which nurses participate in identifying, assessing, and referring patients with mental health conditions.
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