Document Type
Article
Department
School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa
Abstract
Nurses play key roles in recognizing, diagnosing, managing, and referring persons with mental disorders. This cross-sectional study assessed mental health literacy (depression and suicidal ideation) among nurses in a private urban referral hospital in Kenya. Nurses read a vignette and answered questions regarding diagnosis, treatment/interventions, and related attitudes and beliefs. Thirty-seven nurses (12 males) completed the questionnaire. Three correctly identified the diagnosis and 23 identified depression only. Although 75% noted the symptoms were extremely distressing, fear, and stigma were common reactions. This highlights challenges in mental health promotion/prevention in Kenya, and suggests continuous nursing education and curriculum enhancement is needed.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Issues in Mental Health Nursing
Recommended Citation
Muga, T.,
Mbuthia, G.,
Gatimu, S.,
Rossiter, R.
(2018). A Pilot Study Exploring Nursing Knowledge of Depression and Suicidal Ideation in Kenya. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 1-6.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/eastafrica_fhs_sonam/194