Indian nurses' attitudes toward patients with substance use problems: A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Public Health
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Substance abuse presents a significant public health issue in India, contributing to social stigma and impacting treatment accessibility.
• Associated challenges include strained interpersonal relationships, employment difficulties, and adverse family dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the factors influencing the attitudes of nurses towards patients diagnosed with substance use disorders.
• Investigating nurse attitudes is crucial for improving patient care and reducing stigma in addiction treatment.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted with 272 registered nurses in a Tertiary Hospital.
• Data were collected using the Brief Substance Abuse Attitude Survey (BSAAS) and analyzed with statistical tests.

Main Results:

• The study found a mean BSAAS score of 77.15 ± 17.07, indicating generally positive nurse attitudes.
• Older age and greater work experience were negatively correlated with positive attitudes (r = -0.05, P ≤ 0.05).
• In-service and continuing education showed a minimal positive impact (r = 0.02, P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Indian nurses generally hold moderately positive attitudes toward patients with substance use disorders.
• Recommendations include implementing regular sensitization and targeted training programs to further improve nurse attitudes and patient care.