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.
