Mental health professionals’ attitudes and knowledge towards patients with substance use disorder

Abstract

Background: All mental health providers must be ethical and compassionate. Nonetheless, there is evidence that mental health professionals (MHPs) may have unfavorable attitudes and actions toward patients with substances use disorder (SUD). Negative attitudes can be created by a number of circumstances, the most prevalent of which is a lack of knowledge or insufficient training. This creates a sense of inadequacy in managing this particular client group. MHPs' understanding of how to collaborate with one another is a critical tool for delivering holistic care to substance misuse patients. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess MHPs attitudes about patients with SUD. Moreover, the purpose of the research study is to assess MHPs' knowledge regarding patients with SUD. Objectives: The objective of this study is to look at the associations between demographic characteristics and attitudes. Another objective is to investigate if demographic characteristics influence knowledge towards patients with SUD Design and method: In this research study, a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study design was utilized. 299 MHPs from both in-patients and community mental health settings completed the Addiction Knowledge Instrument (AKQ-20) and the Addiction Perception Profile Questionnaire (APPQ-21), resulting in a response rate of 54%. Results: Knowledge lacked mainly among participants working in chronic wards and old age psychiatry ward. This might have been due to the fact that such participants do not come in direct contact with patients SUD. Moreover, participants working in acute, community and substance misuse setting showed to have very good knowledge about substance misuse. Overall, doctors and nurses had sufficient knowledge about patients with SUD. Difference was observed among newly qualified participants and participants with much more years of experience. Furthermore, study findings demonstrated a neutral attitude hence further research is required. Conclusion: In conclusion there are neutral attitudes among MHPs towards patients with SUD with varying levels of knowledge about the disorder. The study also uncovered some concerning attitudes and knowledge gaps with several professionals presenting limited knowledge. These findings suggest the importance of targeted education and training programs for MHPs aimed at enhancing MHPs understanding, empathy, and competence.