Knowledge, Perceptions, and Behaviors of Patients With Serious Mental Illness on Mental Health Literacy

Isper Crissey, Pace University

Abstract

Nurses are frontline healthcare providers and perfectly positioned to improve the health literacy of patients and families in community, hospital, and all other healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to provide an understanding of the specific needs of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) to help improve their mental health literacy (MHL). Understanding the knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors of individuals with SMI about mental health literacy may improve strategies and initiatives for MHL. The American Academy of Nursing (AAN) issued a policy brief on health literacy, stating the importance of assessing the patients’ level of health literacy and ensuring that patients know how to self-manage their health. Nurses must ensure that patients have the information, tools, and resources needed to make informed decisions. Qualitative descriptive research methodology was considered most appropriate for this study because the concept of MHL is complex and not easily measured. The Mental Health Literacy Model (MHLM) was the conceptual framework used for the study, and the semi-structured interview questions were derived from the MHLM. Fifteen participants were interviewed utilizing a semi-structured interview guide, and discussion was framed within the context of the MHL model. The study participants were recruited from a psychiatric outpatient clinic in the Metro New York area. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis to identify themes and subthemes. Themes were then analyzed in aggregate to identify overarching themes. Additionally, a Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) called NVivo was used to analyze data. The findings showed that participants’ understanding of their mental illness, therapeutic alliance with their mental health provider, and having a patient advocate (mostly their family member) directly impacted their help-seeking behavior. Moreso, it influenced their decisions and adherence to psychopharmacologic treatment and psychotherapy. Consistent with the findings in the literature, the participants reported that stigma made them feel isolated and marginalized which delayed their help-seeking behavior, resulting in negative patient outcomes.

Subject Area

Nursing|Mental health|Health care management

Recommended Citation

Crissey, Isper, "Knowledge, Perceptions, and Behaviors of Patients With Serious Mental Illness on Mental Health Literacy" (2023). ETD Collection for Pace University. AAI30523472.
https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/dissertations/AAI30523472

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