Educational Background and Continuing Education Program Affecting Mental Health Nurses’ Literacy and Competence on Delivering Care at Primary Health Care in Indonesia

Background and Objectives: Knowledge, competencies, stigma and readiness are crucial among mental health nurses especially primary health care setting. This study aims to determine the knowledge, competencies, stigma, and readiness among nurses to deliver mental health nursing care in primary health care. Materials and Methods: The study used a cross-sectional study, it conducted from May to October 2022. The participants were mental health nurses who were working in primary health care in Makassar County and recruited using the total sampling method, whose 45 PMH nurses. Data collected using the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS), the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Competencies Self-Rating, and The Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale (RIBS) The cross-cultural adaptation approach is used in all tools for adaptation and translation. The data was analysed using univariate and bivariate tests such as the Chi-Square test with significant level is < 0.05. Results: There were 45 nurses who participated in this study, 93.3% were women, 68.9% have most bachelor's qualifications, 95.6% have good knowledge, 62.25 have competent levels, and 73.3% have positive stigma and readiness. Significant relationships were identified between nurse competence, educational background (p = 0.014), and participation in nursing or mental health training (p = 0.020). Conclusion: The research findings show that most nurses have good knowledge, competence, stigma, and readiness to serve patients with mental health disorders. Recent education and participation in mental health training influence the competence of nurses in serving patients with mental disorders. Further study and a deeper understanding of each relevant factor's effect are urgently needed to enhance the treatment of mental illnesses and raise patient expectations in light of the numerous potential factors that may potentially influence nurses while caring for patients with mental health issues. Paper Type: Research Article Keywords: Competence, Indonesia, Mental Health Nurses, Primary Health Care, Stigma