An Appraisal of Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Patients with Schizophrenia at Federal Medical Centre, Gombe
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic mental disorder that affects perception, cognition, and social functioning. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2024) estimates that schizophrenia affects about 24 million people worldwide, with a significant proportion residing in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. Despite advances in mental healthcare, individuals with schizophrenia continue to face stigma and discrimination, often from healthcare professionals, including nurses, who play a critical role in patient care and management (Ogunleye & Bello, 2024).
Nurses are at the frontline of patient care and are expected to possess adequate knowledge of schizophrenia, its symptoms, treatment, and management strategies. Their attitudes toward these patients significantly influence the quality of care provided and patients' willingness to seek medical help (Adebayo & Musa, 2023). Studies suggest that negative attitudes, misconceptions, and limited knowledge among healthcare workers contribute to the marginalization of schizophrenia patients (Ibrahim & Adekunle, 2023).
At Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, understanding nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward schizophrenia is essential for improving mental health care delivery. If nurses lack adequate knowledge or hold negative perceptions about schizophrenia, it may hinder effective patient management and recovery. This study seeks to evaluate nurses' knowledge and attitudes to identify gaps and recommend strategies for improvement.
Statement of the Problem
Despite ongoing efforts to improve mental health awareness and care in Nigeria, schizophrenia patients continue to experience stigma, often exacerbated by healthcare providers’ attitudes (Okeke & Yusuf, 2024). Research indicates that a lack of understanding about mental illness among nurses contributes to suboptimal patient management, leading to delayed diagnosis, improper treatment, and increased suffering for patients (Maslach & Leiter, 2023).
At Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, there is limited empirical data on the knowledge and attitudes of nurses toward schizophrenia patients. If nurses harbor misconceptions or lack adequate knowledge, it could impact patient outcomes negatively. This study aims to assess nurses' knowledge and attitudes to provide insights into necessary training and policy improvements.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the level of nurses’ knowledge about schizophrenia at Federal Medical Centre, Gombe.
2. To examine nurses' attitudes toward patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.
3. To identify factors influencing nurses’ knowledge and attitudes regarding schizophrenia.
Research Questions
1. What is the level of nurses’ knowledge about schizophrenia at Federal Medical Centre, Gombe?
2. What are the prevailing attitudes of nurses toward patients with schizophrenia?
3. What factors influence nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward schizophrenia?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, have inadequate knowledge of schizophrenia.
2. Nurses’ attitudes toward schizophrenia patients are influenced by stigma and misconceptions.
3. Training and mental health education improve nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward schizophrenia.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, assessing their knowledge and attitudes toward schizophrenia. It does not include other mental health professionals or patients. Limitations may include self-reported bias and variations in psychiatric training among nurses.
Definitions of Terms
• Schizophrenia: A chronic mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive impairments.
• Nurses’ Knowledge: The level of awareness and understanding nurses have regarding schizophrenia, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
• Attitudes Toward Schizophrenia: Nurses’ perceptions, behaviors, and feelings toward patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.
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