Attitudes towards Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders among Medical Students in Israel

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Attitudes towards Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders among Medical Students in Israel
Language: English
Authors: Lev-Ran, Shaul, Steinmetz, Yo, Weiser, Mark
Source: Drugs: Education, Prevention & Policy. 2016 23(6):484-491.
Availability: Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 9
Publication Date: 2016
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Descriptors: Substance Abuse, Negative Attitudes, Medical Students, Smoking, Alcohol Abuse, Drug Abuse, Medical Education, Experience, Moral Values, Competence, Addictive Behavior, Program Effectiveness, Physicians, Foreign Countries, Narcotics, Marijuana
Geographic Terms: Israel (Tel Aviv)
DOI: 10.3109/09687637.2016.1167167
ISSN: 0968-7637
Abstract: Background: Negative attitudes towards substance use and Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are among the commonly cited barriers to screening and treating these disorders by physicians. These negative attitudes have also been reported in medical students. The aim of this study was to examine attitudes of medical students in Israel towards nicotine, alcohol and drug use and SUDs based on their stage of training and personal experience. Methods: A sample of 329 medical students responded to the Attitudes Towards Substance Use questionnaire, which includes 50 questions regarding substance use and SUDs, as well as specific questions focusing on nicotine, alcohol, cannabis and heroin use. Results: Students at the clinical phase of their training had higher rates of moralism and lower rates of self-reported competency in treating SUDs compared to those in the pre-clinical phase of training. Personal experience with nicotine or alcohol use, as well as having a friend who suffers from addiction, were associated with lower rates of moralism. Across substances, the lowest ratings of treatment efficacy and of self-reported competence, were directed towards alcohol dependence. Conclusions: Medical education programs should include training in addiction medicine throughout all phases of medical school. This may have a significant role in future physicians' attitudes towards individuals with substance use and SUDs, and eventually in the treatment these patients receive.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 63
Entry Date: 2018
Accession Number: EJ1189925
Database: ERIC
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