Nurses' Knowledge towards Psychiatric Patients with an Aggressive Behaviors at Khartoum Psychiatric Hospitals

Abstract

 Background: Mental illness has become more common than many other diseases such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes.  

Objectives:  The present study aimed to assess knowledge towards Psychiatric Patients with an Aggressive Behaviors at Khartoum Psychiatric Hospitals.

 Materials and methods:    

Descriptive cross sectional hospital based design was used to conduct this study at a Psychiatric Hospital in Khartoum. The target population consisted of 60 nurses employed at the Khartoum Psychiatric Hospital. Structured questionnaires were distributed to the participants for data collection.  Data analysis was done using a Statistical Package for Social Science, version 24, and nominal as well as ordinal data was analyzed using descriptive analysis.  

Results: The study found that nurses were more likely to be exposed to physical aggression followed by verbal and sexual aggression. Overall, the findings revealed that nurses had an adequate knowledge of managing aggressive psychiatric patients.  

Conclusion:   The results of the study have indicated that nurses have adequate knowledge of psychiatric patient aggression and its management. Nurses should be given proper training to enhance their competencies in aggression management.