Attitude of community pharmacists toward patients with a substance-related disorder (heroin, alcohol and tobacco), estimation of harmfulness and knowledge of these substances, and continuing education: A pilot cross-sectional study

Objectives. - To investigate attitude of community pharmacists toward patients with a substance-related disorder (heroin, alcohol and tobacco).Material and methods. - The attitudes were assessed thanks to the Attitude to Mental Illness Questionnaire (AMIQ) for heroin, alcohol and tobacco-related disorders in three independent groups of pharmacists. Estimation of substance-related harmfulness, knowledge of substance -related disorders and activities/needs for continuing education on substance-related disorders were also recorded.Results. - Thirty-five pharmacists were included (heroin: 11, alcohol: 10 and tobacco: 14). AMIQ scores for heroin-related disorder were negative and lower than for alcohol (P < 0.01) and tobacco (P < 0.001). AMIQ scores for alcohol-related disorder were lower than for tobacco (P < 0.05). The estimation of heroin-related harmfulness was higher than for alcohol and tobacco (P < 0.001). The estimations of knowledge of substance-related disorders were lower for opioid and alcohol than for tobacco (P < 0.001). AMIQ scores and the needs for continuing education on each associated addiction showed a positive relation (P < 0.01).Conclusion. - Pharmacists had a negative attitude toward heroin and alcohol-related disorders. A positive attitude toward patients with a substance-related disorder was associated with a need for continuing education. Efforts should be made to change attitudes and to promote continuing education on heroin and alcohol-related disorders.(c) 2022 Academie Nationale de Pharmacie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.