Exploration of student nurses’ perceptions towards individuals with opioid use disorders in Scotland: A mixed method investigation

Introduction: Worldwide, an opioid epidemic continues to escalate. While the scientific community has recognized substance use disorders as a biophysiological disease, society continues to view addiction as a social problem and not a medical one. Individuals with opioid use disorders have been stigmatized and negatively characterized as morally weak and defective. Previous studies reveal that these negative attitudes often prevail among nurses and that nurses report dissatisfaction and a lack of education preparation to care for this increasing worldwide population. While studies have been conducted in countries with high incidences of opioid deaths, Scotland, a country faced with significantly high opioid related deaths, has not investigated student nurses’ perceptions of individuals with opioid use disorders. Purpose and Design: This mixed-method explanatory sequential investigation sought to explore pre-registration nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes and stigma towards individuals with opioid use disorders in Scotland. The objectives of this study were to measure pre-registration nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes, and stigma towards individuals with opioid use disorders and explore relationships among any variables. Results/Conclusion: Study participants demonstrated the need for increased knowledge, and improved attitudes towards individuals with opioid use disorders. While stigma was evident, the qualitative findings showcased that participants were empathic, compassionate, non-judgmental and willing to care for individuals with opioid use disorders. Further inquiry should explore the role of empathy-based training and experience with individuals with opioid use disorders to reduce mortality and morbidity in this escalating population worldwide.