Exploring the lived experiences of mental health nurses in selected health facilities in HO municipality, Ghana

Mental health nurses play a pivotal role in caring for individuals with mental health challenges, particularly in hospital settings where patients may exhibit challenging behaviors. Understanding the challenges of mental health nurses regarding the behavior of persons living with mental health problems is crucial for improving patient care and staff well-being. This study explored the challenges of mental health nurses regarding the behavior of persons living with mental health problems in selected health facilities in the Ho municipality, Ghana. A qualitative exploratory design was employed, using purposive sampling to recruit 14 mental health nurses from the psychiatric unit of Ho Teaching Hospital and Ho Municipal Hospital. Data collection was conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. The collected data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed through thematic analysis using an inductive approach. The study identified three themes and nine subthemes. The analysis revealed that mental health nurses experienced significant stress and potentially hazardous working conditions due to patient aggression, non-compliance with medication, and systemic issues such as understaffing and inadequate infrastructure. Additionally, community stigma exacerbated their challenges. Despite these obstacles, nurses demonstrated resilience through effective coping strategies, including teamwork, vigilance, and support from patient families. The study revealed major occupational challenges among mental health nurses at Ho Municipal Hospital, including patient aggression, illness denial, understaffing, and stigma. It calls for structured mental health training, adequate staffing, supportive supervision, and stigma-reduction strategies to enhance workplace safety, improve service delivery, and strengthen nurses’ resilience in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3. Not applicable.