Nikki Davenport

Title : Confronting mental illness stigma in undergraduate nursing students: A pilot study

Abstract:

Background: Mental illness in the United States is a prevalent health concern. Mental health conditions are subject to mental illness stigma that negatively impacts client care.
Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to implement the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) In Our Own Voices (IOOV) presentation in conjunction with an anti-stigma educational session to reduce mental illness stigma among undergraduate nursing students.
Methods: A pre-test-post-test study design was used to evaluate the interventions’ impact on mental illness stigma reduction. The Open Minds Stigma Scale for Health Care (OMS-HC) providers was utilized to determine the level of stigma reduction in undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students. A general mental health knowledge questionnaire was administered pre and post-test to assess knowledge regarding mental illness. 
Results: Overall, a statically significant reduction in the total stigma scores (p = 0.03) and the attitudes subscale (p = 0.03) on the OMS-HC survey was determined. Analysis of the help-seeking and social distancing subscales demonstrated no statistically significant improvement. A statistically significant improvement in mental health knowledge was demonstrated between pre-test and post-test scores (p = 0.004).
Conclusion: The NAMI IOOV presentation and educational session were beneficial in mental illness stigma reduction.
Audience Take Away Notes:

• Audience members will learn methods for mental illness stigma reduction.
• Audience members will learn implementation procedures for the National Alliance on Mental Illness In Our Own Voices presentation for stigma reduction, specifically in undergraduate nursing students.
• Limitations and barriers to effective implementation will be discussed.
• The presentation will provide essential information for nursing educators to reduce mental illness stigma in nursing students, leading to improved client outcomes.

Biography:

Dr. Nikki Davenport, FNP-C, studied nursing at Tennessee State University and graduated in 2017 after completing an MSN with a concentration in family practice. She continued her studies at East Tennessee State University and graduated in 2023 with a DNP. She obtained a position at the University of North Alabama in 2021, teaching undergraduate and graduate nursing majors. In 2023, she completed a Simulation Scholars Fellowship at the University of North Alabama focused on research in nursing simulation. She has experience in multiple areas of nursing practice, including the emergency department, burn intensive care, cardiac intensive care, medical intensive care, surgical intensive care, and family practice.