A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Supporting Student's Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Survey for School Nurses
Authors: Markkanen Pihla, Anttila Minna, Välimäki Maritta
Publisher: MDPI
Publication year: 2021
Journal: Children
Journal name in source: CHILDREN-BASEL
Journal acronym: CHILDREN-BASEL
Article number: ARTN 129
Volume: 8
Issue: 2
Number of pages: 14
eISSN: 2227-9067
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/children8020129
Web address : https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/8/2/129
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/55092919
Children's and adolescents' health problems are often related to mental health, and their wellbeing should be supported in schools. This study describes school nurses' role and how equipped they are in recognizing students' mental health needs and in supporting students' mental health. Moreover, we explored the methods used and the barriers that exist for supporting students' mental health. A national survey for members of the Finnish Public Health Association working as school nurses was conducted (n = 136/648, 21%). The survey questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data using manifest content analysis. Participants (n = 127/133, 96%) agreed that they had an important role in ensuring that students' mental health needs are met on time. Around one-third reported training needs for mental health interventions (n = 42/115, 36%), and a similar proportion (n = 42/136, 31%) indicated lacking adequate knowledge and skills for supporting mental health among culturally diverse students. Identified barriers for students getting help were a lack of options for sending students to mental health services (n = 92/134, 69%) and a lack of adequate training (n = 81/134, 68%). School nurses are key in providing early mental health support to students. Therefore, the availability of intervention education and training on assessing and supporting students' mental health is needed and should be improved.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |  |
