Nurses’ attitudes towards patients with substance use disorder

Abstract

Background: Nursing is an ethical and caring discipline of practice. Yet there is evidence that nurses may have negative attitudes and behaviours toward people with substance use disorders. Few nurses realise that these undesirable attitudes and behaviours have a negative impact on the patients they care for. Aim: The aim of this research study was to explore, compare and critically analyse the attitudes of nurses toward patients with SUD in mental health care in Malta. Objectives: The objectives were to determine if differences existed between nurses’ attitudes toward patients with SUD as well as whether sociodemographic factors influenced the attitudes. Design and method: A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study design was used. 227 nurses from in-patients and community mental health settings completed the Substance Abuse Attitude Survey (SAAS), resulting in a response rate of 73%. Results: Foreign nurses had more positive attitudes towards treatment outcomes than their Maltese counterparts. However, foreign nurses showed ambivalence towards the early detection of substance use disorders. In addition, Maltese nurses showed more tolerance towards substance use than foreign nurses. Maltese nurses had the highest moralistic and stereotyping attitudes, suggesting that culture may influence attitudes. Female nurses showed more positive attitudes towards treatment interventions. Those who work in the in-patient setting showed to be more optimistic about treatment outcomes than community nurses. In addition, nurses with 11 to 20 years of experience had the most permissive attitudes. Nurses were satisfied when it came to treatment intervention when caring for patients with alcohol problems. Participants expressed low professional satisfaction in caring for patients with alcohol and drug problems in non-stereotyping. Finally, nurses expressed no professional satisfaction when caring for patients with drug problems regarding treatment outcomes and non-moralism. Conclusion: Understanding nurses’ attitudes in caring for patients with SUD is critical for optimal patient care. This study further expands the knowledge of nurses