Perception of Malaysian primary care practitioners towards patients with substance use disorders in Selangor and its associated factors: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Substance use disorders (SUDs) represent a significant public health concern, with an estimated 36.3 million people affected worldwide and approximately 100,000 active drug users in Malaysia. As individuals with SUDs frequently disengage from treatment, the cultivation of non-judgemental attitudes among healthcare professionals is critical. This study aimed to assess the perceptions of primary care practitioners (PCPs) in Selangor towards patients with SUDs and identify the associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2021 to November 2023 among 235 PCPs in Selangor, utilising convenience sampling. Data were collected via an online, self-administered questionnaire. Perceptions were measured using the Drug and Drug Problems Perception Questionnaire (DDPPQ) with lower scores indicated more positive perceptions. Multiple linear regression was employed to identify the associated factors. Results: The participants were predominantly women (76.8%) and medical officers (46.8%), with a median experience of 8 years. While the majority (73.4%) reported clinical encounters with patients with SUDs, only 24% had received specific SUD training and 23.2% had experience in methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). The mean total DDPPQ score was 45.38±6.91 reflecting generally negative perceptions. The regression model (R2=0.268) showed that favourable perceptions were significantly associated with prior MMT experience (B=−4.91, P<0.001) and higher frequency of clinical interaction (e.g. never vs always interaction: B=12.53, P<0.001). Conclusion: The PCPs in this study exhibited a predominantly negative perception towards patients with SUDs. More negative perceptions were significantly associated with a lack of experience in MMT and less frequent clinical contact with this patient population.