ABSTRACT: Knowledge and practice as it relates to the recognition of signs and symptoms of mental health illnesses in children among nurses in Nassau Bahamas.
Background:  There is emergent evidence that as many as one in five children (20%) experience mental health problems that significantly interfere with their developmental functioning and achievement (National Mental Health Association, 2005).
Aim:  This study aims to enhance the knowledge and practice among nurses in an inpatient pediatric unit in Nassau Bahamas as it relates to the recognition of signs and symptoms of mental health illnesses in children.
Methods: An action research study method was used to explore the knowledge and practice of nurses, utilizing random sampling among nurses from the Pediatric Unit. A pre- and post self- administered questionnaire was used for data collection and the intervention consisted of providing information on the recognition of the possible signs and symptoms of mental health illnesses in children, to improve knowledge and enhance practice.
Results: 93.3% of the participants reported that they were now able to recognize the signs and symptoms that may be indicative of possible mental health problems in children.
Conclusion: If detected and treated appropriately at an early stage, many children can either fully recover from or be successfully treated for their mental illness, thus enabling them to live full and productive lives. Conversely, when left undetected and untreated, the mental disorders of childhood can continue into adulthood and lead to many devastating problems in all aspects of an individual’s life. Consequently, this action research study seeks to inform and enhance practice by equipping nurses with the necessary knowledge and skills to assist children in achieving optimal mental and emotional health.

7th Congress of the European Academy of Paediatric Societies