Primary Healthcare Nurses: Key Role Players in Early Recognition of Mental Health Issues

Mental health literacy of primary healthcare nurses is necessary to maintain a mentally healthy community. A lack of proficiency in identifying mental health disorders can lead to delays in accessing treatment. Not recognising mental health disorders is indicative of low mental health literacy. This quantitative study examined recognising mental health disorders as an aspect of mental health literacy among primary healthcare nurses. A Mental Health Literacy (MHL) questionnaire comprising five vignettes was administered to primary healthcare nurses working in three sub-districts of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati (RSM) District in South Africa. A total of 84 completed questionnaires were collected. Primary healthcare nurses most accurately identified depression (73.81%), followed by anxiety disorders (69.05%), suicidal thoughts (66.67%), schizophrenia (59.52%), and PTSD (41.67%). The results showed that most primary healthcare nurses were able to accurately recognise mental health disorders, achieving above-average recognition rates, except for PTSD. Given the critical role that early recognition plays in facilitating timely intervention, treatment, and improved quality of life, all primary healthcare nurses must possess strong mental health literacy skills. Targeted training in mental health literacy and practical application improves patient outcomes, strengthening community mental health and overall mental well-being.