Pakistan amid WHO (World Health Organization) red listed countries and mental health risk for nurses – A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the mental health of nurses in Pakistan who are eligible to get employment in the UK but still struggling to do so because of WHO (World Health Organization) code of practice.

Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted between October, 2024 to November, 2024. Data were collected from 72 participants via Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Questionnaire in addition to an open-ended question. Structured questionnaire was analyzed via descriptive analysis whereas, manifest content analysis was utilized for open-ended question.

Results: Majority (63.9%) of the participants were female nurses as compared to male nurses who were 36.1%. The analysis revealed that 48.6% of the participants were categorized of having very low mental well-being on Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. The content analysis revealed the accounts of mental frustration, financial loss and other emotional concerns.

Conclusion: There is a dire need for WHO policy makers, national healthcare regulatory bodies, and educational system to address the concern of nurses belong to amber/red listed countries in order to promote their mental well-being.