The effect of a culturally sensitive mental well-being module on Pakistani nursing students' knowledge and beliefs regarding their own mental health and illness

Authors

Salima Farooq, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Maryam Pyar Ali Lakhdir, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Yasmin Parpio, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Sonia Ijaz Haider, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Shirin Rahim, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Apsara Ali, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
David Arthur, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, KenyaFollow

Document Type

Article

Department

Community Health Sciences; Educational Development; Paediatrics and Child Health; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan

Abstract

This study examined the effect of a mental well-being module on undergraduate nursing students' knowledge and beliefs regarding causes and treatment of mental health and illness, and explored the relationship between these variables and depression and anxiety. The one group design incorporated pre-intervention, intervention and post-intervention phases, in a consecutive sample of 246 students in a 4-year BScN programme in Pakistan. A culturally sensitive, interactive mental well-being module of four hours length was delivered to three groups of approximately 40 students per group. Repeated measures ANOVA was performed to assess the difference in the mean knowledge scores. Paired t-tests investigated between-group differences on the factor scores. A total of 112 students screened positive for anxiety and depression symptoms. Repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant difference in the mean knowledge scores regarding mental illness (P < 0.001). Factor analysis resulted in four factors for the aetiology items. Paired t-test showed significant differences (P < 0.001) between psycho-social and environmental factors, supernatural and religious beliefs, and neuro-genetics. For treatment, significant differences (P < 0.001) were found between all factors - Professional and Help from others, Religiosity and Socialization, and Alternative and Medical Treatment. There was a significant and positive change in students' mental health knowledge, beliefs and mental health-seeking behaviour and diminished stigmatized beliefs. Based on the findings, it is highly recommended to incorporate the mental well-being program in the curriculum.

Comments

Volume, issue, and pagination are not provided by the author/publisher

Publication (Name of Journal)

International Journal of Mental Health Nursing

Recommended Citation

Farooq, S., Ali Lakhdir, M. P., Parpio, Y., Haider, S. I., Rahim, S., Ali, A., Arthur, D. (2021). The effect of a culturally sensitive mental well-being module on Pakistani nursing students' knowledge and beliefs regarding their own mental health and illness. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing.
Available at: https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_son/423