Substance use disorders (SUD) are among the most stigmatized conditions in our society and many other societies across the globe. This is very detrimental to the person with an SUD and can affect their relationship with those around them. It also can negatively influence a health practitioner’s beliefs. Much research exists linking stigma to lower-quality care for people dealing with SUD. This study aims to characterize the perception of faculty, staff, and students in professional healthcare training programs.
This study was a cross-sectional, self-administered survey of faculty, staff, and students at the six health-related colleges at one Mid-South health science center. These colleges comprised medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, health professionals, and graduate health sciences. The data collection took place during February and March 2021. There were 572 participants, the majority being students (75%). Most participants reported that they knew someone and interacted with someone who had an SUD. The most common challenge reported by participants when it came to interacting with individuals with an SUD was communication and lack of trust on the part of the individual. Most (81%) reported that they viewed SUD as a mental health condition. Staff were more likely to perceive SUD as a moral failing or personal choice than students.
This study sheds light on the views of SUD in health professional training environments. The findings showed that most faculty, staff, and students viewed a person with SUD as similar to someone with any other disease state; the article gives an example of hypertension. However, 1 in 5 respondents still viewed individuals with SUD differently. This shows that training and education about SUD individuals are still necessary. Training could also be implemented to help improve communication skills to help decrease challenges when serving those with SUDs.
Takeaway: Most faculty, staff, and students viewed a person with SUD similar to a person having any other disease state. Although 1 in 5 respondents still viewed individuals with SUD differently.