Psychiatric morbidity among Nursing staff of a University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Based on the provided research document regarding psychiatric morbidity among nursing staff, here is the summary and keywords exactly as they were written in the paper:

SUMMARY

Background: The nursing profession is an important component of the health service and requires commitment and personal sacrifice. This profession may not be spared the onslaught of complex problems of the job, arising from advances in technology and increasing patients' load, and the attendant psychological problems. +1

Aims: The general aim was to heighten an awareness of psychological health problems that may be inherent in nurses' work setting, and to provide a baseline for future research. The specific aim was to examine the level of psychological morbidity and to measure the extent to which personal and work-related factors could be risk factors for this morbidity. +1

Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study of the eligible nurses in the employ of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), using self-report questionnaires comprising the 30-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30), and a questionnaire on socio-demographic/work-related variables. Data were analysed using SPSS version 11. Frequency distributions, chi square figures were calculated, and level of statistical significance set at 5%. +1

Results: Of 385 eligible nurses, 280 returned completed questionnaires (response rate) 72.7%. Fifty (17.9%) scored 4 and above on the 30-item GHQ and were regarded as having possible psychological distress. Identified risk factors for developing psychological morbidity included gender, leisure activities, job experience, workload, shift duty, remunerations, promotion, government policy, family, and career future. +2

Conclusion: Nurses were as likely as any other health personnel to develop psychological impairment. Employment of more nurses, improved emoluments, re-organization of work schedules, and organization of regular lectures/seminars in stress management for personnel are advocated.