[Examining health professionals' knowledge and attitudes towards mental disorders]

Introduction: The stigmatization of mental patients is a priority topic in both domestic and international research. In addition to social prejudices, people living with mental illness must also struggle with the stigmatizing attitude of health professionals. Aim: It was a survey of attitudes of nursing health care professionals towards psychiatric patients and mental illnesses. We also aimed to assess mental health knowledge among the nursing staff. In the light of the results, our aim was to make proposals for the reform of nursing education. Method: We performed the survey among members of the Hungarian Chamber of Health Care Professionals, in 4 sections (paramedics, emergency nurses, psychiatric nurses and adult nurses). We analyzed the results of the online quantitative survey with multiple variables descriptively. Results: 495 of the completed questionnaires were evaluable (n = 495). Psychiatric nurses are characterized by a less stigmatizing attitude towards rescue and emergency carers and other adult nurses. Less stigmatizing attitudes are characterized by BSc and MSc graduates than those who have secondary education. Almost half of all nurses (47%) in the study feel they have a lack of preparedness about mental illnesses. The rate is 49% for rescue and emergency workers, and 55% for members of the adult care section. There is also a relatively high proportion (28%) of psychiatric nurses, who consider their skills to be inadequate. At the same time, of course, this group replied in the highest proportion (37%) that his knowledge is adequate. Conclusion: Psychiatric education should be made more effective at all levels of nursing training. It would also be important to incorporate sensitizing and anti-stigma methods and to develope empathy. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(2): 56-66.