Stigma from healthcare professionals and care-limiting behaviors in individuals with substance use disorders: a mixed-methods study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Stigmatization of individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) by healthcare professionals (HCPs) is a recognized problem, but its direct impact on patient treatment choices has not been systematically quantified. We aimed to provide first robust, quantitative metrics of non-disclosure, treatment avoidance, and treatment discontinuation for any medical treatment directly attributable to HCP stigma and to explore the lived experiences underpinning these behaviors.

Methods

We conducted a prospective mixed-methods study with 119 adult inpatients with SUDs at a German university hospital (2021-2024). A self-developed questionnaire assessed stigma-related behaviors and their association with self-stigmatization. Qualitative data were analyzed using reflexive themati

SUBMITTER: Luderer M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12828365 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature