Knowledge and Practice of Mental Health Hygiene Among Nursing Students in Edo State University

Vollständiger Abstract

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Mental health hygiene is essential for maintaining psychological well-being and preventing mental health problems, particularly among nursing students who are exposed to demanding academic and clinical responsibilities. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of mental health hygiene among nursing students at Edo State University, Iyamho, Nigeria. A descriptive cross sectional survey design was adopted. The study involved 177 clinical nursing students selected from a population of 318 using stratified proportionate sampling. Data were collected using a self-developed instrument titled Questionnaire on Knowledge and Practice of Mental Health Hygiene (QKPMHH). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 at a significance level of p < 0.05. Findings revealed that the respondents had excellent of knowledge of mental health hygiene with a score of 86.3%. Students recognized that poor sleep patterns, stress, and substance abuse can negatively affect mental well-being. However, the practice of mental health hygiene was low, with an overall mean score of 0.48, yielding 48% practice level. Adequate sleep and rest (0.74) and discussing stress with friends or family (0.68) were the most practiced behaviors, while seeking professional counselling was the least practiced (0.19). Chi-square analysis showed no significant association between sociodemographic variables and mental health hygiene practices (p > 0.05). The study recommends the integration of structured mental health promotion programs and improved access to counselling services within universities to encourage the consistent practice of healthy mental health behaviors among nursing students.