Knowledge on early warning Signs and home care Management of mental Illness among care givers of People with Mental Illness in A Selected Hospital at Mangalore, Karnataka Ms Manju T.1, Ms Augustine Merlin Mary1, Ms Mini T. K.1, Ms Jose Preethy1, Ms Mathew Princy1, Prof Bhattacharya Chanu2, Mr. Mathew Rajeeve3,* 1Post Basic B. Sc (N) students, Father Muller College of Nursing, Mangaluru, Karnataka 2Former Professor, Department of Mental Health Nursing, Father Muller College of Nursing, Mangaluru, Karnataka 3Lecturer, Department of Mental Health Nursing, Father Muller College of Nursing, Mangaluru, Karnataka *Corresponding Author Email: rajivmathew55@gmail.com
Online published on 24 October, 2018. Abstract Introduction A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability to cope with life's ordinary demands and routines. There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness. Some of the more common disorders are depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Symptoms may include changes in mood, personality, personal habits and/or social withdrawal. Mental health problems may be related to excessive stress due to a particular situation or series of events. At least 60 million Indians—a number more than the population of South Africa—suffer from mental disorders. With appropriate effective medication and a wide range of services tailored to their needs, most people who live with serious mental illnesses can significantly reduce the impact of their illness and find a satisfying measure of achievement and independence. A key concept is to develop expertise in developing strategies to manage the illness process. Early identification and treatment is of vital importance; by ensuring access to the treatment and recovery supports that are proven effective, recovery is accelerated and the further harm related to the course of illness is minimized. Objectives of study 1. To assess the knowledge level of caregivers about the early warning signs and home care management of mental illness. 2. To determine the association between knowledge level of caregivers with their selected socio demographic variables. Method A descriptive survey design was used in this study to assess the knowledge level of caregivers about the early warning signs and home care management of mental illness. The sample consists of 100 caregivers who met the inclusion criteria. The subjects were selected by purposive sampling technique. The data was collected through structured knowledge questionnaire. Results The finding of the study shows that among the subjects 14% had very good knowledge, 73% had good knowledge, 11% had average knowledge and 2% had poor knowledge on early warning signs and home care management of mental illness. It also shows that there is significant association between knowledge score and selected baseline variable such as caregivers relationship with mentally ill (P= 0.019) at 0.05 level of significance. Interpretation and Conclusion The findings of the study have shown that the knowledge of caregivers on general information of mental illness and early warning signs mental illness was average. Hence health care professionals must give importance in these areas so as to enable and empower the caregivers of mental illness. Top Keywords Knowledge, Caregivers, Assess, Home Care, Mental illness. Top |