An Evaluation of Nurses’ Attitudes Towards Patients with Mental Illness in the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kaduna
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Background of the Study: Nurses play a pivotal role in the care of individuals with mental illnesses, which often require specialized attention due to the complex and multifaceted nature of psychiatric conditions. Their attitudes towards patients with mental health conditions can significantly impact the quality of care, patient outcomes, and the overall therapeutic environment. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on understanding healthcare professionals' attitudes toward people with mental illness, given the stigma that often surrounds psychiatric conditions (Tadi et al., 2024). Stigmatization in healthcare settings can lead to poor patient experiences, decreased adherence to treatment plans, and ultimately, worse health outcomes (Muhtar et al., 2023).
Research indicates that nurses' attitudes towards mental health patients are shaped by various factors, including personal beliefs, professional training, and organizational culture (Ogunyemi & Raji, 2024). Nurses’ attitudes, whether positive or negative, can influence the way they interact with psychiatric patients and thus the quality of care provided. A positive attitude towards mental illness is associated with empathy, compassionate care, and effective communication, all of which contribute to improved patient outcomes (Liu et al., 2025). Conversely, negative attitudes, often rooted in misconceptions and stereotypes, may lead to neglect, mistreatment, or reduced engagement with patients (Musa & Alimi, 2023).
The Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Kaduna provides specialized mental health services to a diverse population, including individuals with severe mental health disorders. Understanding nurses’ attitudes toward these patients in the Nigerian context is essential to identifying potential gaps in training, improving attitudes, and fostering better care environments. However, there is limited research that directly addresses how nurses’ attitudes in Nigerian psychiatric hospitals influence their treatment of patients. This study seeks to bridge that gap by evaluating the attitudes of nurses working at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kaduna.
Statement of the Problem: Despite the growing recognition of the importance of attitudes in mental health care, little attention has been given to how nurses' perceptions of mental illness affect their professional conduct and patient care in Nigerian psychiatric hospitals. Nurses in the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, may harbor stigmatizing beliefs about mental illness, which could undermine their interactions with patients and reduce the quality of care. The lack of comprehensive studies on this issue in the Nigerian context limits the ability to develop effective strategies for improving nurse-patient interactions and enhancing the therapeutic environment for mental health patients. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the attitudes of nurses and identifying how these attitudes influence their care for patients with mental illness.
Objectives of the Study:
- To assess the attitudes of nurses towards patients with mental illness in the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kaduna.
- To explore the relationship between nurses’ attitudes and their quality of care provided to patients with mental illness.
- To identify training and policy interventions that can help improve nurses’ attitudes toward patients with mental illness.
Research Questions:
- What are the attitudes of nurses towards patients with mental illness in the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kaduna?
- How do nurses’ attitudes towards mental illness influence their quality of care for psychiatric patients?
- What training or policy changes are needed to improve nurses’ attitudes toward patients with mental illness?
Research Hypotheses:
- Nurses in the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, have a negative attitude towards patients with mental illness.
- Nurses’ negative attitudes towards mental illness are associated with poorer quality of care for psychiatric patients.
- Providing targeted training on mental health and reducing stigma will improve nurses’ attitudes and the quality of care for patients with mental illness.
Scope and Limitations of the Study: This study will focus on nurses working at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, and evaluate their attitudes toward patients with mental illness. It will examine the relationship between these attitudes and the quality of care provided, while also exploring potential training or policy interventions. The limitations of the study include the potential for biases in self-reported attitudes and the generalizability of findings to other hospitals in Nigeria or other regions with different cultural attitudes toward mental illness.
Definitions of Terms:
- Attitudes: A person’s beliefs, feelings, and behavioral tendencies toward a particular object, person, or situation—in this case, towards patients with mental illness.
- Mental illness: A broad range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior, including disorders like schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
- Stigma: Negative stereotypes and prejudices associated with individuals or groups, often leading to discrimination or marginalization.
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