Attitude of non-psychiatric trained nurses toward the management of psychiatric patients in a Nigerian hospital.

Abstract

Abstract : This study was designed to examine the attitudes of non-psychiatry trained nurses towards the management of psychiatric patients in Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A descriptive study design was used and data were collected by means of a self-reporting questionnaire from 105 participants. The data were analysed using the SPSS 15.0 statistical package with a significance level of 0.005. The results revealed a significant relationship between the participants' socio-demographic characteristics and outcome of care. The participants showed lack of confidence, fear of attacks, insecurity and lack of adequate skills as major factors that make them to resent taking care of psychiatric patients. It is therefore recommended that for effective and efficient care for these patients, all that is involved should be adequately prepared by their employers.