ADVANCED NURSING MANAGEMENT OF PSYCHIATRIC DISEASES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY FROM QUETTA, PAKISTAN
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Keywords
critically, Sociocultural stigma, Workloads, Social marginalization, Specialized, psychiatric, Strengthening
Abstract
Mental health care in low-resource regions remains critically underdeveloped, particularly in areas like Quetta, Balochistan, where healthcare systems face systemic neglect, sociocultural stigma, and infrastructure constraints. This qualitative study explores the experiences, challenges, and coping mechanisms of psychiatric nurses engaged in advanced nursing management of mental illnesses in Quetta. Using semi-structured interviews with 12 psychiatric nurses working in two public-sector psychiatric facilities, the study reveals five major themes: resource and infrastructure limitations, safety concerns, cultural stigma, lack of specialized psychiatric training, and coping strategies rooted in spirituality and professional commitment. Nurses reported overwhelming workloads, inadequate safety protocols, and social marginalization, but also demonstrated resilience through peer support, empathetic care, and religious coping. The findings underscore an urgent need for systemic reforms, including specialized psychiatric nursing education, improved working conditions, and culturally competent mental health policies. This study amplifies the voices of frontline psychiatric nurses and contributes critical insights for strengthening mental health services in underserved regions of Pakistan.
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Dr. Jalaluddin Rumi
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Balochistan Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (BIPBS), Quetta, Pakistan.
Dr. Maryam Jalal
Resident, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
Dr. Ramesh Chand
Consultant Psychiatrist / Senior Registrar, Department of Psychiatry, Balochistan Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (BIPBS), Quetta, Pakistan.
Dr. Zain Ullah Khan
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Balochistan Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (BIPBS), Quetta, Pakistan.
Nahal Jalal
Bolan Medical College BUMHS Quetta, Pakistan.
Ayesha Jalal
Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Sana Ullah Kakar
Department of Psychiatry, Balochistan Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (BIPBS), Quetta, Pakistan.