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Professional stigma towards clients with methamphetamine use disorder - a qualitative study
Ali Makki1, Carolyn Day2, Betty B Chaar3
1Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Camperdown, Australia.
Pharmacists exhibit significant stigma towards individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD), stemming from fear and misinformation. Addressing this stigma through education is crucial for improving MUD treatment accessibility.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Practice
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) presents significant health challenges.
- Pharmacists are integral to substance use disorder treatment.
- Limited research exists on pharmacists' attitudes toward individuals with MUD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate community pharmacists' perspectives on providing services to clients with MUD.
- To understand the barriers and facilitators influencing pharmacist engagement in MUD care.
Main Methods:
- Convenience sampling recruited community pharmacists in Sydney, Australia.
- Semi-structured interviews explored pharmacists' views on MUD treatment and management.
- Interview data were transcribed and coded by the research team.
Main Results:
- Stigma among healthcare professionals emerged as a primary theme.
- Pharmacists expressed fear and apprehension toward individuals with MUD.
- Misinformation, lack of education, and assumptions of criminality were prevalent.
Conclusions:
- Substantial stigma towards individuals with MUD was identified among pharmacists.
- Negative pharmacist attitudes can worsen healthcare disparities and hinder treatment access.
- Targeted educational interventions for pharmacists regarding MUD are essential.
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