Formal education and nurses' attitudes towards alcohol and alcoholism in a Brazilian sample

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONTwo fields of study are revealed through reviewing the literature 1-3 that attempts to understand attitudes and beliefs surrounding psychoactive substance use and addiction. The first involves the identification of attitudes, points of view and perceptions among healthcare professionals in relation to this problem. The second investigates the reasons that lead to a lack of awareness or understanding among these professionals regarding substance use.Nurses are one of the largest groups of healthcare professionals sharing in patient care responsibilities in general, including caring for those who use and abuse psychoactive substances. They may encounter users in various sectors of the healthcare system. It can therefore be assumed that nurses should be able to assess their own attitudes relating to alcoholism, so that they can care for patients without making value judgements, as demonstrated in studies 1-3 presented previously. There is evidence that negative attitudes exist among nurses in relation to patients who are psychoactive substance users. Recognition of inappropriate attitudes and reflection on behavior constitutes the beginning of a process to modify the nurse's behavior. The process of evaluating attitudes includes recognition of the origin of such attitudes, investigation of how these affect the care given to patients and seeking of knowledge through formal education. This latter provides a scientific basis and can be influential in changes. It is essential to evaluate beliefs and values that affect the care given to others. Thus, the inclusion of conscious evaluation is fundamental for the professional nurse. However, little is known about the attitudes (thoughts, feelings and behavior) of nurses in relation to patients who are drug or alcohol users. In addition to the lack of formal research, there has been very little training (continued education), or even formal education on this theme included in undergraduate nursing courses. Nevertheless, this information is considered indispensable in preparing nurses to offer qualified care for this population.The limited educational background of nurses contributes greatly to the formation of attitudes and value judgements. This fact is reflected in surveys. 4 These show that, when dealing with patients who are alcohol users, nurses' attitudes and beliefs are significantly more negative and permeated with moral content than when dealing with other patients. 4 Neglect in identification and early intervention may aggravate alcohol users' problems and may render their prognosis more serious, to the point of the condition becoming chronic. 4The need for teaching about alcohol use in nursing coursesAlthough health organizations officially recognized alcoholism as a disease in the 1950's, it was much later that this was accepted by the population in general. Many nurses and other professionals have been reluctant to care for such patients. Specifically, there has been reluctance to acknowledge problems related to alcohol use and abuse and th...

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