Nurse Educ. 2025 Mar-Apr 01;50(2):79-83. doi: 10.1097/NNE.0000000000001770. Epub 2024 Nov 12.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Seventeen percent of individuals in the United States live with substance use disorder (SUD). Nursing curricula may not adequately address SUD, and stigma can impact care.
PURPOSE: This project aimed to measure stigma toward people with SUD among nursing students.
METHODS: Surveys were administered to prelicensure nursing students. Stigma was measured using the Opening Minds Provider Attitudes Toward Opioid-Use Scale. Students were asked about personal experience with SUD and perceived adequacy of SUD-related curricula.
RESULTS: A total of 193 students participated. The mean stigma score was 31.35. Those with personal experience had lower stigma scores than those without ([95% CI 2.26-9.23]; P value = .0014). Most students (71.0%) desired to see content from individuals with lived experience incorporated into curriculum.
CONCLUSION: Addressing stigma in SUD education is critical for improving future patient care. Nursing schools should consider incorporating stigma-reducing content, including perspectives from individuals with lived experiences, into SUD curricula.
PMID:39977694 | DOI:10.1097/NNE.0000000000001770
