Clinical medical practice and stigma towards patients with substance use disorder in an Italian sample of healthcare workers.

Abstract

Introduction: People with substance use disorder (SUD) face challenges like stigma and discrimination, impacting their healthcare experiences.

Aim: This study aims to: (i) assess physicians' clinical practices and stigma toward SUD patients among healthcare personnel and (ii) explore the relationship among stigma, psychological well-being, and burnout.

Methods: A survey covering sociodemographic data, physicians' clinical practices, stigmatizing attitudes, psychological well-being, and burnout was completed by 1,796 employees of the Veneto's Local Health Units (Italy).

Results: Healthcare professionals reported increased stigma towards SUDs (p-values<0.05). Stigma consistently correlated with variables such as sex, profession, department, and levels of burnout (p-values<0.05). Notably, high burnout levels were associated with increased stigma. Staff in addiction departments displayed lower stigma levels compared to other departments. No significant differences were found in physicians' clinical practices.

Conclusions: Targeted training for healthcare professionals is crucial to reduce stigma, enhance attitudes toward SUDs, and broaden overall knowledge of the condition.