Knowledge and Practice on Prevention and Management of Mental Illness Among Village Health Nurses at Selected Primary Health Centers in Tamilnadu; With A View to Develop an Information Guide Sheet

Objective: To determine the knowledge, practice about prevention and management of mental illness among village health nurses in primary health centers. Method: A descriptive design with survey approach study conducted on village health nurses in fifteen primary health centers in Tamilnadu on their socio-demographic characteristics, professional qualifications and knowledge, and practice toward prevention and management of mental illness. Results: A total of 100 village health nurses were recruited. Knowledge scores showed that 78 % were having inadequate knowledge, 22 % were having moderate knowledge and none of them having adequate knowledge towards prevention and management of mental illness. Practice scores showed that 80 % were having inadequate practice, 20 % were having moderate practice and none of them having adequate practice towards prevention and management of mental illness. As a whole finding of the study revealed that majority of village health nurses had inadequate knowledge and practice. It shows that there is a great need to educate and motivate village health nurses about prevention and management of mental illness in order to reduce the mortality and morbidity related to mental illness. Conclusion: There are gaps in knowledge and practice on prevention and management of mental illness which could be constructively filled with Continued Medical Education or through in-service education. Key words: knowledge, practice, prevention, mental illness, village health nurses.