Knowledge and Practice on Prevention and Management of Mental Illness Among Village Health Nurses at Selected Primary Health Centers in Tamilnadu; With A View to Develop an Information Guide Sheet

N. Arasumani, L. Eilean Victoria

Abstract: Objective: To determine the knowledge, practice about prevention and management of mental illness among village health nurses in primary health centers. Method: A descriptive design with survey approach study conducted on village health nurses in fifteen primary health centers in Tamilnadu on their socio-demographic characteristics, professional qualifications and knowledge, and practice toward prevention and management of mental illness. Results: A total of 100 village health nurses were recruited. Knowledge scores showed that 78 % were having inadequate knowledge, 22 % were having moderate knowledge and none of them having adequate knowledge towards prevention and management of mental illness. Practice scores showed that 80 % were having inadequate practice, 20 % were having moderate practice and none of them having adequate practice towards prevention and management of mental illness. As a whole finding of the study revealed that majority of village health nurses had inadequate knowledge and practice. It shows that there is a great need to educate and motivate village health nurses about prevention and management of mental illness in order to reduce the mortality and morbidity related to mental illness. Conclusion: There are gaps in knowledge and practice on prevention and management of mental illness which could be constructively filled with Continued Medical Education or through in-service education. Key words: knowledge, practice, prevention, mental illness, village health nurses.

Keywords: knowledge, practice, prevention, mental illness, village health nurses

How to Cite?: N. Arasumani, L. Eilean Victoria, "Knowledge and Practice on Prevention and Management of Mental Illness Among Village Health Nurses at Selected Primary Health Centers in Tamilnadu; With A View to Develop an Information Guide Sheet", Volume 3 Issue 10, October 2014, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1003-1006, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=OCT14473, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/OCT14473