Factors Associated with Nurses' Motivation to Provide Care for Patients with Alcohol Use and Alcohol Use-Related...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Healthcare Management
• Public Health

Background:

• Alcohol use and related problems impose significant human and economic burdens.
• Nurses play a critical role in managing patients with alcohol use disorders.
• Addressing the needs of this population requires understanding nurse motivators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between nurses' characteristics and their motivation to care for patients with alcohol use disorders.
• To explore how demographic/background factors, personal attitudes, and professional attitudes correlate with nurse motivation.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional correlational study was conducted.
• Data were collected from 234 nurses across four hospitals in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
• Questionnaires assessed nurses' demographics, personal/professional attitudes, and motivation to care for patients with alcohol use disorders.

Main Results:

• Nurses' gender, work setting, and specialization were associated with motivation to care for patients with alcohol use disorders.
• Personal experiences with alcohol-related problems, familiarity, perceived danger, fear, social distance, and beliefs about the disease model were linked to motivation.
• All professional attitudes assessed were significantly associated with nurses' motivation.

Conclusions:

• Specific demographic and attitudinal factors are linked to nurses' motivation to care for patients with alcohol use disorders.
• This study lays the groundwork for future research on predictors of nurse motivation in this area.
• Findings can inform interventions to enhance nurses' willingness and effectiveness in treating patients with alcohol use disorders.