Nursing Students’ Perceptions about Perinatal Mental Health Issues

The mental health of women in the perinatal period is the focus of attention around the world. Many studies emphasize the problems that women experience during pregnancy or after childbirth, also focusing on mental health problems. In this context, the attention towards the woman, both during pregnancy and after birth, should be very great, especially from the health professionals. The paper aims to explore the perception of students enrolled in the professional master’s study program in Health Psychology at "Luigj Gurakuqi" University, Shkodër, Albania regarding their knowledge of perinatal mental health problems, and their ability to identify and managing these problems. Nursing students have high levels of awareness related to perinatal mental health issues. Their perceptions of their knowledge regarding perinatal mental health issues, as well as their confidence in identifying and in managing them, is positive. Students believe that they have the appropriate skills to assess and care for women with mental health problems, both during pregnancy and after, but, also, they need further training to improve their skills. It is necessary to carry out more extensive studies on this topic in our country to shed light on the Albanian reality. Also, it is necessary to revise the curricula, especially in general nursing education program, and to provide training for nurses on the problems of perinatal mental health issues. Keywords: perinatal mental health, awareness issues, curricula revision