Determining mental health literacy of undergraduate nursing students to inform learning and teaching strategies

Abstract

There is limited research on mental health literacy among undergraduate nursing students in Australia. Overseas studies indicate significant gaps in students’ knowledge and practice. The aims of this study were to (1) assess mental health literacy knowledge in undergraduate nursing students and compare these across year levels, and to (2) identify students’ learning needs about mental health literacy in practice. A convenience sample of 114 Bachelor of Nursing students studying at one Australian University completed the online survey. Results showed that third‐year students reported higher levels of mental health literacy compared to first‐ and second‐year students. Almost 40% of students felt they did not have sufficient understanding of mental health literacy for practice. Most respondents (66.7%) wanted more information on different types of mental illnesses, treatments, how to reduce mental health stigma, and how to care for and communicate with people with mental illness. Students identified that mental health first aid training should be compulsory for all nursing students. Mental health literacy is a crucial area to be addressed in undergraduate nursing education. Explicit content and skill development are required to improve students’ awareness of health literacy and inform their practice.

Mental Health First Aid training and assessment in Australian medical, nursing and pharmacy curricula: a national perspective using content analysis

“…There is also concern that the inclusion of MHFA training into core curricula would result in the exclusion of other crucial mental health nursing [ 40 ]. A recent study assessing mental health literacy levels in Australian nursing students revealed that 40% of students reported not having sufficient mental health literacy for practice [ 41 ]. There is endorsement for MHFA training to become a pre-requisite for all prospective nursing students, thereby providing a foundation for more advanced mental health content without burdening an already overcrowded curriculum [ 40 , 41 ].…”

“…A recent study assessing mental health literacy levels in Australian nursing students revealed that 40% of students reported not having sufficient mental health literacy for practice [ 41 ]. There is endorsement for MHFA training to become a pre-requisite for all prospective nursing students, thereby providing a foundation for more advanced mental health content without burdening an already overcrowded curriculum [ 40 , 41 ]. Although MHFA should not replace existing mental health content in nursing curricula, the introduction of MHFA in the early stages of the nursing program may improve desirability of mental health nursing as a career choice [ 42 ].…”

Predictors of Mental Health Literacy and Information Seeking Behavior Toward Mental Health Among University Students in Resource-Limited Settings

“… 35 This is also slightly higher than some findings. 38 This implies the need of various interventions including continuous implementations of mental health literacy programs in the university settings is crucial.…”

“…The first section covered respondents’ socio-demographic information, such as age, gender, level of study, mental health status, and mental health history. The second section examined respondents’ mental health literacy, 29 , 38 , 45 , 58 consisting of 13 items used to assess the knowledge of where to seek information, knowledge of causes, knowledge of professional help availability, and attitudes that promote recognition or appropriate help-seeking behavior. Each item in this section had alternatives ranging from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5) on a 5-point Likert Scale, a reverse score was done to all items negatively phrased with higher scores indicating higher mental health literacy.…”

“… 10 , 23 , 33 , 36–38 Moreover, evidence indicates that infrastructure conditions, internet quality, poverty, and exposure to mental illness such as treatment exposure can drastically alter the literacy level toward mental health; in summary, demographic, technological, and behavioral deterrents for MHL level were evident in the previous research. 9 , 19 , 28–34 , 38–45 Furthermore, known predictors of information seeking behavior regarding mental health include, gender, 35 exposure to mental health problems, 10 , 31 , 35 awareness, technical skill, 31 , 32 , 35 availability of resources and support, online health information seeking behavior, credibility of the resources, 46 MHL, 31 , 32 , 37 and computer literacy, have been highlighted in the literature. 10 , 27 , 36 , 37 , 46–51 …”