Changes in Nursing Students' Attitudes and Perceptions After Receipt of Enhanced Substance Use-Related Curricular Content

Deborah S. Finnell, Michael Sanchez, Bryan R. Hansen, Alicia Stevens, Christine L. Savage, J. Paul Seale, J. Aaron Johnson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Negative attitudes toward persons who use alcohol and other drugs contribute to suboptimal care. Nurses are in key roles to address the needs of this population, yet they lack the education needed to identify persons who may be at risk because of substance use and intervene accordingly. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a substance-use-related curriculum on nursing students' attitudes and therapeutic commitment for working with patients with alcohol- and drug-use-related problems. Methods Data were collected for four cohorts of 169 nursing students enrolled in a Master's Entry into Nursing program. Questionnaires included the Person-Centered Alcohol and Alcohol Problems Perception Questionnaire and the Drug and Drug Problems Perception Questionnaire, completed before and after completing the curriculum. Paired samples t test were used to examine pre/post differences for each measure's subscale. Results Four of the seven Person-Centered Alcohol and Alcohol Problems Perception Questionnaire subscales showing significant increases were role adequacy, role support, role legitimacy, and general perceptions. Four of the five Drug and Drug Problems Perception Questionnaire subscales showing significant increases were role adequacy, role support, job satisfaction, and role legitimacy; there was a significant change in role-related self-esteem, however, in a negative direction. Conclusions This study adds to the growing evidence of the positive impact of providing evidence-based information and skill development, which enhance alcohol- and drug-related knowledge and competence for nurses entering professional practice.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)62-69
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Addictions Nursing
Volume33
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2022

Keywords

  • alcohol use
  • attitudes
  • curriculum
  • drug use
  • nursing education
  • perceptions

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Phychiatric Mental Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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