Background: Recent studies have shown that patients with mental illnesses have higher mortality
and morbidity rates due to long-term physical conditions and lifestyle diseases. Aim of the study: The
study aimed to examine the effect of educational program on nurses' attitudes and practices regarding
provision of physical health care for patients with severe mental illness. Setting: The study was
conducted at Tanta Mental Health Hospital in Tanta city; Egypt, which affiliated to General Secretariat of
Mental Health. Research design: Quasi-experimental research design (single-group, pre/post-test) was
utilized in this study. Subjects: 60 nurses were constituted in this study using convenient method of
sampling. Tools: the study data was collected using two tools: Tool I: Socio-demographic and
professional characteristics Questionnaire, tool II: Physical Health Attitude Scale (PHASe) Results: After
attending educational program, studied nurses' total scores of attitude and practice regarding provision of
physical healthcare were found to be significantly increased, and also result in reduction of training needs.
Conclusion: Educational program regarding provision of physical health care for patients with severe
mental illness has a positive effect on improving nurses’ attitude and practice. Recommendation:
Continuous educational training programs related to physical health care to patients with mental illness
should be recommended for nurses. |
