Influence of Healthcare Workers' Knowledge in Addressing Mental Health Issues in the Provision of Holistic Care at Mombasa Hospital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70619/vol6iss6pp43-56-931Keywords:
Healthcare workers' knowledge, mental health issues, holistic careAbstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of healthcare workers' knowledge in addressing mental health issues in the provision of holistic care at Mombasa Hospital. This study adopted a descriptive mixed-methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research problem. The target population in this study comprised 158 nurses and 11 resident doctors. From this, a sample size of 124 (113 nurses and 11 doctors) was selected via stratified random and purposive sampling methods, respectively. These data were triangulated and member-checked to ensure reliability. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using interpretive analysis and presented in the discussion and conclusion. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 29 through descriptive statistics and inferential analyses, including Pearson correlation and hierarchical multiple regression, with ANOVA used to assess the overall significance of the regression models. Knowledge of how to address mental health issues (B = 0.136) was a statistically significant predictor (p < .05) and contributed positively to holistic patient care, with attitudes emerging as the strongest predictor. The study concludes that knowledge plays an important role in supporting holistic care, but its impact is limited when not effectively translated into practice. Although healthcare workers demonstrate awareness of mental health management approaches, inconsistencies in application highlight the need for practical skill development and enhanced clinical confidence. To strengthen healthcare workers' knowledge of how to address mental health issues, the Mombasa Hospital should incorporate mental health education into ongoing staff development programs and facilitate access to current guidelines, protocols, and educational resources. In addition, interdisciplinary learning opportunities involving psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, nurses, and other mental health specialists should be created to enhance healthcare workers' understanding of mental health concerns. Similarly, healthcare workers should be encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and professional courses related to mental health so as to enhance both their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in delivering holistic patient care.
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