Exploring the knowledge, attitudes, skills and preparedness of nurses on the integration of mental health care into HIV/AIDS services in the Ethekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Aim: This study aim was to explore and describe the level of knowledge, attitudes, skills and preparedness of nurses regarding integration of mental health care into HIV/AIDS services. Background: HIV/AIDS continues to be a major public health problem worldwide and in the sub-Saharan region in particular. Literature has shown a relationship between mental health problems and HIV/AIDS. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and mental health problems (MHP) are not cared for appropriately by nurses competent to deal with mental health disorders when attending HIV/AIDS services.

Methodology: The research study was based on a positivist paradigm and a quantitative descriptive study and explorative design were adopted in this study. As a result, data was collected through a structured questionnaire. One hundred and twenty four nurses were randomly sampled from different HIV/AIDS services and Primary Health Care centres.

Findings: The study found that nurses have different perceptions about their provision of mental health care to PLWHA. Most nurses reported positive perceptions about caring for PLWHA who have MHP in general settings although some had negative perceptions. It was found that some nurses would be willing to learn on how to care for PLWHA who have MHP if they get in-service education and support from mental health care specialists. Lack of knowledge, skills and preparedness was identified due to lack of support from the mental health care specialists and lack of basic education and training. This reduced nurses’ ability and willingness to care for these people.

Conclusion: Basic education and training, continuous in-service education and support from mental health care specialists will result in more willing, knowledgeable and skilled nurses when caring for PLWHA and MHP.