Background of the Study
Mental health first aid (MHFA) refers to the initial support provided to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, including anxiety attacks, psychotic episodes, substance use disorders, and suicidal ideation (Kitchener & Jorm, 2023). Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, play a crucial role in delivering MHFA by recognizing early symptoms, providing immediate care, and referring patients to appropriate mental health services.
In Nigeria, mental health issues are prevalent, with conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, and substance abuse disorders affecting a significant portion of the population. Despite this, mental health services remain underdeveloped, and stigma often discourages individuals from seeking help. At Borno State Specialist Hospital, nurses frequently encounter patients with mental health conditions in various units, including emergency care, general wards, and outpatient departments. The extent to which these nurses are aware of and adhere to MHFA protocols is essential in ensuring timely intervention and reducing the risks associated with unmanaged mental health crises. This study aims to assess nurses' awareness and adherence to MHFA protocols at Borno State Specialist Hospital, identifying potential gaps and recommending strategies for improvement.
Statement of the Problem
Many nurses in general hospital settings receive limited formal training on mental health first aid, leading to inconsistencies in crisis response and intervention. Poor awareness and non-adherence to MHFA protocols may result in mismanagement of mental health crises, increased patient distress, and even preventable deaths (WHO, 2023). At Borno State Specialist Hospital, there is a need to evaluate the extent to which nurses are knowledgeable about and comply with MHFA guidelines. Identifying gaps in awareness and adherence can help inform policies for better integration of mental health care into general nursing practice.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess nurses’ awareness of mental health first aid protocols at Borno State Specialist Hospital.
2. To evaluate the level of adherence to MHFA guidelines in handling mental health crises.
3. To identify challenges affecting the implementation of MHFA protocols among nurses.
Research Questions
1. What is the level of nurses’ awareness regarding MHFA protocols?
2. To what extent do nurses adhere to MHFA guidelines in their practice?
3. What challenges hinder nurses from effectively implementing MHFA protocols?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses at Borno State Specialist Hospital have adequate awareness of mental health first aid protocols.
2. There is a significant correlation between nurses' awareness and adherence to MHFA guidelines.
3. Barriers such as stigma, inadequate training, and high workload affect the implementation of MHFA protocols.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in emergency, psychiatric, and general medical units at Borno State Specialist Hospital. Data will be gathered through structured questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Limitations may include self-reporting biases, reluctance to discuss mental health-related stigma, and variability in MHFA training among nurses.
Definitions of Terms
• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): The immediate assistance provided to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis before professional help is available.
• Adherence: The extent to which nurses follow established MHFA protocols in their practice.
• Mental Health Crisis: A situation in which an individual experiences severe psychological distress requiring immediate intervention.
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