Factors associated with the evolution of attitudes towards mental illness in a cohort of nursing students

Abstract

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: People with mental health difficulties have poorer physical health than the general population. The stigmatizing attitude of health professionals impacts the quality of care for these people. There is a broad background on the effectiveness of activities based on theoretical training, clinical practices or social contact to improve nursing students' attitudes towards people with mental health difficulties. There is an important need to assess whether the benefits identified in the short term are maintained in the longer term. WHAT DOES THE PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The positive evolution of attitudes towards mental illness does not last over time. Some students' attitude towards people with a mental health difficulty worsened in the final stage of their training after completing clinical practices. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: It is necessary for tutors incorporate an understanding of stigma throughout the degree training and to discuss with the students the emotional aspects experienced during the performance of clinical practices. The design of any anti-stigma intervention must include the factor of "time". ABSTRACT: Introduction The stigma of health professionals is a contributing factor to morbi-mortality among people with mental health difficulties. There is a lack of research on long-term outcomes in nursing students. Objective To identify factors associated with the evolution of stigmatizing attitudes towards mental illness in a cohort of students trained in mental health. Method A prospective observational study of the impact of training in mental health care. Age, gender, stigma, level of previous familiarity with mental illness, self-education by Internet, academic performance and the place where practicums are conducted were evaluated on three occasions over 15months. Results Academic performance, online consultation and the size or origin of the theoretical group were indicators of better attitudes. The positive evolution of attitudes does not last over time. Discussion Instability over time could be explained by students' experience in the practicum, although the time itself has been identified as a determining factor. Practical implications Further studies should be promoted in academia to assess the content of mental health training and its influence on the evolution of the stigmatizing attitude. It is also necessary to address stigma in small groups, where students with better academic results lead anti-stigma activities.