Psychological distress and suicidal tendency of depressed patients

This study aimed at identifying the relationship between psychological distress and suicidal tendency of depressed patients. A descriptive correlational design was utilized in this study. A sample of convenience of 100 depressed patients was recruited from the Out-patient Clinic of Tahnasha Psychiatric Hospital in El Minia Governorate. A socio-demographic data sheet, Suicidal Tendency Scale, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale [DASS] were used to achieve the purpose of the study. A semi-structured interview method was used to collect data from patients. Results of this study revealed that, almost two third of the subjects were females, married, illiterate, unemployed, residing rural areas, and most of them were in the age group ranged from 20-39 years old. More than one third of the subjects were attempting suicide from one to three times or more. A statistically significant correlation was detected between suicidal tendency and psychological distress. In conclusion, depressed patients are having multiple stressors, social, environmental, and interpersonal factors that with their personality character can aggravate the symptom of depression and interfere with their productivity, initiation, and prevent the interaction with others. It was recommended that, a training program should be designed for nurses who are dealing with depressed patients and specially those who are at risk for suicide to provide them with knowledge about how to assess those patients, evaluate their needs, and prevent the risk of suicide

Psychiatric nurse's image in Egypt: access for development

Nurses, working in the field of mental health, are mostly of general qualification [technical certificate]. The very few highly qualified, who got masters and doctoral degrees in psychiatric nursing, do not pursue clinical settings for work. Consequently, the mental health service lacks the important contribution of specialized psychiatric nurse. Among the many factors that influence acceptance or rejection of nursing certain speciality, is the image of that job. This study investigated three dimensions of the psychiatric nurse's image in Egypt, i.e. the educational preparation for a Bachelor Degree in nursing in Egypt, the society perception of mental illness and mental health personnel, and the government input and attitude regarding the provision of the essential facilities required for this service. Results revealed high interest of the qualified nurses in the field of psychiatry, yet the poor public image of the psychiatric nurse, stopped them from joining this profession. A number of recommendations were suggested to deal with this problem

Assessment of mentally ill patients' adjustment behaviour both in hospital and community

The developmental process of a new assessment tool in the field of mental health is described. This new instrument was called Behavioural Adjustment Inventory [BAI 30]. Its aim is to provide realistic assessment of patients adjusting behaviour both in hospital and community. The new tool combines both quantitative and qualitative techniques in measurement. Standardisation process of the BAI 30 achieved 100% validity for all its 30 items with 75% inter-rater reliability

Evaluation of the effectiveness of bridging therapy: an attempt towards paradigmatic shift in nursing research

Bridging therapy is the term given to an innovative programme of therapeutic intervention based on the principles of continuity of care. Evaluation of the effectiveness of this model of care was conducted using the new trends of methodological mix. In this instance the research design employed the structure of quasi-experiment within the global frame of reference of action research. Discussion of the positive and negative aspects of this design is included