Attitudes towards alcohol and alcohol-related problems: Comparison among nurses from different Brazilian health care settings

Abstract

Objective: This descriptive, exploratory study sought to compare the attitudes of nurses from different health care settings towards alcohol, alcoholism and alcoholics.Method: A total of 526 nurses working at several Brazilian health care facilities participated in this study by answering a 96-item attitude scale. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the attitudes of the participants according to their health care setting, and a multiple comparisons test was used to identify the groups in which this difference was statistically significant. Results:The results showed that nurses working at specialized facilities displayed more positive attitudes towards alcoholics (working and interpersonal relations) and alcohol but negative attitudes towards alcoholism and its etiology when compared to the other nurses.Conclusion: This study suggests that nurses' attitudes towards alcohol and alcohol-related problems differ depending on the health care setting; in particular, nurses working at specialized facilities tend to show more positive attitudes than nurses working in other health care facilities toward alcohol-related problems.

Concepções de profissionais de enfermagem de nível médio perante o dependente químico

“…Changing the concept about those with chemical dependency, after the beginning of professional practice in the CAPS ad, was an important finding consistent with literature findings (20)(21)(22) . According to a previous study (20) , direct contact with users of alcohol and other drugs in specialized services for the care of the needs resulting from the use of psychoactive substances, enables the nursing staff to overcome the influence of the moral model of explanation for the use of psychoactive substances, still common among health professionals (20,23) , and the emergence of a concept based on the psychosocial model, which is consistent with the model of care of CAPS.…”

“…Although practice does not replace formal education on the issue -it contributes significantly to better understanding and consequently to the change of view that the professional has of these individuals; the findings of this and previous studies (20)(21)(22) , reinforce the need for practical experience with stigmatized populations during training. This experience will enable better preparation of the future professional, to act in this new scenario of practice, assisting the individual in seeking necessary support for his/her recovery and social reintegration.…”

Factors Associated with Nurses’ Motivation to Provide Care for Patients with Alcohol Use and Alcohol Use-Related Problems

“…Nurses who perceived alcohol use problems as a disease were also less motivated to provide care to this patient population. This finding is inconsistent with a previous study by Bittencourt and Vargas 7 in which nurses in primary care settings who perceived alcohol use disorder as a disease reported more positive attitudes towards working with these patients. This inconsistency may be attributed to the way that alcohol use disorder is framed within the disease process context.…”

“…Thus, nurses can be key partners in implementing strategies to promote the early detection and management of this patient population and can have a pivotal role in the quality of care provided. [7][8][9] However, low motivation, defined as willingness and readiness to provide care for patients with alcohol-use related problems, 10 including nurses' intention to engage in the care of this patient population, 9 and the negative attitudes associated with healthcare providers' motivation (e.g., stigma attitudes) may be linked to delays in early recognition and access to specialized care, consequently resulting in poorer health outcomes. 11 To date, few studies have examined factors that may influence nurses' motivation to work with these patients.…”