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Evaluating Stigma Toward Individuals With Substance Use Disorder Among Prelicensure Nursing Students
Jennifer I Crook1, Nicholas A Giordano, Joseph E Mathias
1Authors Affiliation: Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing (Ms Crook, Dr Giordano, Ms Getz, and Dr Febres-Cordero), School of Medicine (Dr Mathias), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
Background:
Seventeen percent of individuals in the United States live with substance use disorder (SUD). Nursing curricula may not adequately address SUD, and stigma can impact care.
Purpose:
This project aimed to measure stigma toward people with SUD among nursing students.
Methods:
Surveys were administered to prelicensure nursing students. Stigma was measured using the Opening Minds Provider Attitudes Toward Opioid-Use Scale. Students were asked about personal experience with SUD and perceived adequacy of SUD-related curricula.
Results:
A total of 193 students participated. The mean stigma score was 31.35. Those with personal experience had lower stigma scores than those without ([95% CI 2.26-9.23]; P value = .0014). Most students (71.0%) desired to see content from individuals with lived experience incorporated into curriculum.
Conclusion:
Addressing stigma in SUD education is critical for improving future patient care. Nursing schools should consider incorporating stigma-reducing content, including perspectives from individuals with lived experiences, into SUD curricula.
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