Against the perspectives of the mental health needs of the people of Africa, this study explored and compared the models of psychiatric-mental health nursing education in two sub-Saharan African countries - Botswana and Nigeria. The primary purpose of the study was to assess the design, the implementation, the factors that influence and the perceived usefulness of psychiatric-mental health nursing education programmes in developing African countries, using Nigeria and Botswana as examples. A self-reporting questionnaire, administered to psychiatric nurse educators from the two countries of concern, provided the primary source of data. A curriculum evaluation checklist based on Horan, Knight, McAtee and Westrick (1984) was used to assess the components of the existing psychiatric nursing education curricula from the two countries. Discussions were also held with practising psychiatric nurses and officials of the nursing regulatory bodies from the two countries. Data from both countries revealed that participants used various terms to describe the same model for psychiatric-mental health nursing education adopted in their countries. Botswana, however, adopted a more functional generalist basic diploma nursing education approach which encouraged a more advanced post-basic diploma specialisation and practice in community psychiatric-mental health nursing. Nigeria's model leaned towards a hospital centred basic specialisation with no defined role for the generalist nurse within the psychiatric-mental health nursing care system. Community theme occurred in both countries' curricula with varying degrees of emphasis, as all the programmes claimed the intent to make psychiatric-mental health nursing service available to individuals, families and the communities at all levels of care. Psychiatric-mental health nursing education programmes of the two countries had been influenced at different times by war, colonial history, changing standards of health care delivery, government health policies, economic status of the country, professional status of nursing and the changing standard of education. A model that streamlined psychiatric-mental health nursing education within the general system of education in both countries was proposed. It was stressed that one key concept that must underlie the development of psychiatric-mental health nursing education was the need to create a mental health nursing role that would be appropriate for people's health needs rather than the needs of the health care system. / Advanced Nursing Science / D.Litt. et Phil.

BACKGROUND: Harmful drinking among students in tertiary institutions has become a major public health issue worldwide. Botswana is among the countries that are experiencing this problem. Abuse of alcohol amongst students is linked to road crushes, intentional and unintentional injuries, raping and an array of communicable diseases notably HIV/AIDS. Drinking among students could be a function of personal and environmental factors. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to identify factors that are consistent with abuse of alcohol among students in tertiary institutions in Gaborone. METHOD: This is a quantitative, non-experimental, cross sectional descriptive study. Data were collected from a sample of students in tertiary institutions. SPSS was used for the analysis of data. RESULTS: The study has revealed hazardous drinking among students. The use of alcohol was predicted on demographic, psychological and environmental factors of respondents. Influence from a close friend, year level of study and area of residence were correlates of drinking among students. Institution based educational interventions that focus on building leadership skills of students are critical in addressing issues of alcohol in tertiary institutions. Statutory measures are necessary to limit students’ access to alcohol. CONCLUSION: The study has identified factors that are related to abuse of alcohol among students. The findings could be used to strengthen evidence based planning and implementation of interventions for tackling issues of alcohol in tertiary institutions. There is a need for future research on this area using qualitative approach. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

BACKGROUND: Harmful drinking among students in tertiary institutions has become a major public health issue worldwide. Botswana is among the countries that are experiencing this problem. Abuse of alcohol amongst students is linked to road crushes, intentional and unintentional injuries, raping and an array of communicable diseases notably HIV/AIDS. Drinking among students could be a function of personal and environmental factors. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to identify factors that are consistent with abuse of alcohol among students in tertiary institutions in Gaborone. METHOD: This is a quantitative, non-experimental, cross sectional descriptive study. Data were collected from a sample of students in tertiary institutions. SPSS was used for the analysis of data. RESULTS: The study has revealed hazardous drinking among students. The use of alcohol was predicted on demographic, psychological and environmental factors of respondents. Influence from a close friend, year level of study and area of residence were correlates of drinking among students. Institution based educational interventions that focus on building leadership skills of students are critical in addressing issues of alcohol in tertiary institutions. Statutory measures are necessary to limit students’ access to alcohol. CONCLUSION: The study has identified factors that are related to abuse of alcohol among students. The findings could be used to strengthen evidence based planning and implementation of interventions for tackling issues of alcohol in tertiary institutions. There is a need for future research on this area using qualitative approach. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Against the perspectives of the mental health needs of the people of Africa, this study explored and compared the models of psychiatric-mental health nursing education in two sub-Saharan African countries - Botswana and Nigeria. The primary purpose of the study was to assess the design, the implementation, the factors that influence and the perceived usefulness of psychiatric-mental health nursing education programmes in developing African countries, using Nigeria and Botswana as examples. A self-reporting questionnaire, administered to psychiatric nurse educators from the two countries of concern, provided the primary source of data. A curriculum evaluation checklist based on Horan, Knight, McAtee and Westrick (1984) was used to assess the components of the existing psychiatric nursing education curricula from the two countries. Discussions were also held with practising psychiatric nurses and officials of the nursing regulatory bodies from the two countries. Data from both countries revealed that participants used various terms to describe the same model for psychiatric-mental health nursing education adopted in their countries. Botswana, however, adopted a more functional generalist basic diploma nursing education approach which encouraged a more advanced post-basic diploma specialisation and practice in community psychiatric-mental health nursing. Nigeria's model leaned towards a hospital centred basic specialisation with no defined role for the generalist nurse within the psychiatric-mental health nursing care system. Community theme occurred in both countries' curricula with varying degrees of emphasis, as all the programmes claimed the intent to make psychiatric-mental health nursing service available to individuals, families and the communities at all levels of care. Psychiatric-mental health nursing education programmes of the two countries had been influenced at different times by war, colonial history, changing standards of health care delivery, government health policies, economic status of the country, professional status of nursing and the changing standard of education. A model that streamlined psychiatric-mental health nursing education within the general system of education in both countries was proposed. It was stressed that one key concept that must underlie the development of psychiatric-mental health nursing education was the need to create a mental health nursing role that would be appropriate for people's health needs rather than the needs of the health care system. / Advanced Nursing Science / D.Litt. et Phil.