TY - JOUR
AU - M. S. Schuler
AU - V. Seney
A1 - 
AB - BACKGROUND: Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic illness impacting more than 59 million Americans last year. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a subset of SUD. The literature supports that healthcare providers frequently stigmatize patients with OUD. Individuals with OUD often feel shame associated with their disorder. Shame has been associated with maladaptive and avoidant behaviors. AIM: The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to examine and describe the experiences of shame and health-seeking behaviors in individuals with OUD. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory design using focus groups with individuals in treatment for OUD was used to identify the issue of shame and its relationship to health-seeking behaviors. RESULTS: A systematic content analysis of discussions with 11 participants in four focus groups revealed four major themes and associated subthemes: Avoidance of Preventive Care (belief providers are judgmental); the Hidden Disorder (keeping secrets); Constraints of Shame (justification for the continuation of drug usage); and Trust in MOUD (Medication for Opioid Use Disorder) Providers. The feeling of shame leads to a reluctance to engage in health-promoting actions, such as scheduling appointments with primary care providers and dentists. CONCLUSION: Healthcare practitioners must prioritize providing a safe, nonstigmatizing environment for patients with SUD/OUD. This includes establishing trust and rapport, providing education, collaboration with psychiatric mental health specialists and other healthcare providers, and the offering support and resources to help patients manage their condition to achieve optimal health outcomes.
AD - Monika S. Schuler, PhD, FNP-BC, CNE, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, MA, USA.; Valerie Seney, PhD, MA, LMHC, PMHNP-BC, University of Massachusetts, North Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, MA, USA.
AN - 38581184
BT - J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc
C5 - Opioids & Substance Use; Education & Workforce
DA - Apr 6
DO - 10.1177/10783903241242748
DP - NLM
ET - 20240406
JF - J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc
LA - eng
N2 - BACKGROUND: Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic illness impacting more than 59 million Americans last year. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a subset of SUD. The literature supports that healthcare providers frequently stigmatize patients with OUD. Individuals with OUD often feel shame associated with their disorder. Shame has been associated with maladaptive and avoidant behaviors. AIM: The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to examine and describe the experiences of shame and health-seeking behaviors in individuals with OUD. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory design using focus groups with individuals in treatment for OUD was used to identify the issue of shame and its relationship to health-seeking behaviors. RESULTS: A systematic content analysis of discussions with 11 participants in four focus groups revealed four major themes and associated subthemes: Avoidance of Preventive Care (belief providers are judgmental); the Hidden Disorder (keeping secrets); Constraints of Shame (justification for the continuation of drug usage); and Trust in MOUD (Medication for Opioid Use Disorder) Providers. The feeling of shame leads to a reluctance to engage in health-promoting actions, such as scheduling appointments with primary care providers and dentists. CONCLUSION: Healthcare practitioners must prioritize providing a safe, nonstigmatizing environment for patients with SUD/OUD. This includes establishing trust and rapport, providing education, collaboration with psychiatric mental health specialists and other healthcare providers, and the offering support and resources to help patients manage their condition to achieve optimal health outcomes.
PY - 2024
SN - 1078-3903
SP - 10783903241242748
ST - "It's My Secret": Shame as a Barrier to Care in Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder
T1 - "It's My Secret": Shame as a Barrier to Care in Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder
T2 - J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc
TI - "It's My Secret": Shame as a Barrier to Care in Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder
U1 - Opioids & Substance Use; Education & Workforce
U3 - 10.1177/10783903241242748
VO - 1078-3903
Y1 - 2024
ER -