Exploration of student nurses' perceptions towards individuals with opiod use disorders in Scotland: A mixed method investigation

Neville, Kathleen; Bonfirm, Julia; Ring, Nicola

Abstract

Worldwide, an opioid epidemic continues to escalate. While the scientific community has recognized substance use disorders as a biophysiological disease, society continues to view addiction as a social problem and not a medical one. Individuals with opioid use disorders have been stigmatized and negatively characterized as morally weak and defective. Previous studies reveal that these negative attitudes often prevail among nurses and that nurses report dissatisfaction and a lack of education preparation to care for this increasing worldwide population. While studies have been conducted in countries with high incidences of opioid deaths, Scotland, a country faced with significantly high opioid related deaths, has not investigated student nurses’ perceptions of individuals with opioid use disorders. Purpose and Design: This mixed-method explanatory sequential investigation sought to explore pre-registration nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes and stigma towards individuals with opioid use disorders in Scotland. The objectives of this study were to measure pre-registration nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes, and stigma towards individuals with opioid use disorders and explore relationships among any variables. Results/Conclusion: Study participants demonstrated the need for increased knowledge, and improved attitudes towards individuals with opioid use disorders. While stigma was evident, the qualitative findings showcased that participants were empathic, compassionate, non-judgmental and willing to care for individuals with opioid use disorders. Further inquiry should explore the role of empathy-based training and experience with individuals with opioid use disorders to reduce mortality and morbidity in this escalating population worldwide.

Citation

Neville, K., Bonfirm, J., & Ring, N. (2025). Exploration of student nurses' perceptions towards individuals with opiod use disorders in Scotland: A mixed method investigation. International Health Trends and Perspectives, 5(1), 17-34. https://doi.org/10.32920/ihtp.v5i1.2312

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 20, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Mar 30, 2025
• Publication Date: 2025
• Deposit Date: Aug 30, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 30, 2025
• Journal: International Health Trends and Perspectives
• Print ISSN: 2563-9269
• Publisher: Toronto Metropolitan University
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 5
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 17-34
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.32920/ihtp.v5i1.2312
• Keywords: Attitudes, Knowledge, Opioid Use Disorders, Nursing Students, Stigma
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/3794341
• Publisher URL: https://journals.library.torontomu.ca/index.php/ihtp