Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitude of psychiatric nursing staff toward mental illness at Benha city. Methods: This descriptive study used a convenience sample of 122 nurses (52 female nurses and 70 male nurses) at Psychiatric Mental Health Hospital at Benha City. Tools: For data collection two tools were used : 1) a structured interviewing questionnaire to assess socio-demographic characteristics of psychiatric nursing and their knowledge about mental illness and 2) Attitude Scale (OMICC). Results: Findings demonstrated that more than half of the studied nursing staff having unsatisfactory knowledge about mental illness and hold negative attitude toward mental illness ,but more than one third of them have satisfactory knowledge and positive attitude. Conclusion: Attitude toward mental illness isn't affected by age, years of experience and level of education of the psychiatric nursing staff. There is a highly positive correlation between nurses' knowledge and their attitude toward mental illness The study recommended Conducting regular in-service training program to provide the psychiatric nursing staff with up to date necessary knowledge about mental illness.

Key words: Mental illness, Psychiatric Nurses, Knowledge, Attitude

The Candidate
Naglaa Fathi Mohamed El -Attar