Perceived need for care and stigma experiences among individuals with methamphetamine-related admissions to inpatient mental health wards

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2023-08-02
Authors
Wilson, Lochlan
Karnik, Niketa
Wong, Jacquelyne Y.
Barchet, Lyra
Sareen, Jitinder
Jwely, Ahmed
Nickel, Nathan C.
Konrad, Geoffrey
Nepon, Joshua
Bolton, James
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC
Abstract

Background There are gaps in our understanding of treatment needs among people who use methamphetamine. We examined the demographics, perceived treatment needs, barriers to accessing care, and stigma experienced by an inpatient sample of people who use methamphetamine. Methods This study surveyed a convenience sample of patients admitted to psychiatry wards with a history of methamphetamine use in Winnipeg, Canada, between May 1 and July 31, 2019. The Perceived Need for Care Questionnaire (PNCQ-9) was used to assess treatment needs and barriers to care, and the Substance Use Stigma Mechanisms Scale (SU-SMS) was used to assess enacted, anticipated, and internalized stigma. Prevalence rates of perceived need, stigma, and demographic variables were determined. Results A total of 103 potential participants were identified, with 34 completing the survey. The most common age group was 21ā€“30 years of age (41.2%); an approximate equal number of men and women; and almost all were single and never married (91.1%). Rates of perceived need for care were very high across all treatment types, including 91% identifying a need for medication treatment for their mental health or substance use. Despite the majority receiving care across the seven types of care described in the PNCQ-9, most felt they did not receive enough care. Unmet need for care was therefore high in many categories, including rates of 87% for counselling and skills training. The most common barriers to having needs met were a desire to self-manage substance use, and not receiving care after asking for help. Almost all participants reported experiencing stigma (94%). Stigma from family was endorsed significantly more than stigma from health care providers (pā€‰=ā€‰0.005). Conclusions The average hospitalized person who uses methamphetamine in this sample is young, single, and has not completed any post-secondary education. High rates of perceived treatment need suggest an awareness of problems with methamphetamine, yet most interventions are perceived as inadequate. People who used methamphetamine felt highly stigmatized, particularly by their family members. .

Description
Keywords
Methamphetamine, Canada, Perceived need, Stigma
Citation
Harm Reduction Journal. 2023 Aug 02;20(1):104