ABSTRACT
Background: A contributing factor in the provision of suboptimal mental health care is the presence of stigmatizing attitudes among health care providers. Although numerous studies have investigated stigmatizing attitudes among physicians, nurses in psychiatric settings, and various populations of students, mental health stigma among nurse practitioners (NPs) has not yet been addressed.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess NPs' attitudes and beliefs regarding working with individuals with a mental health disorder.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Nurse practitioners attending a national practice conference completed a survey for demographic and practice information and a standardized measure for assessing stigmatizing attitudes regarding three mental health conditions: (a) anxiety/depression, (b) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and (c) substance use disorders (SUDs).
Results: A total of 141 NPs participated in this study. The most favorable attitudes were reported for working with individuals with anxiety/depression, and the least favorable attitudes were reported for working with those with an SUD.
Implications for practice: Stigmatizing attitudes are present among practicing NPs. Effective bias-reducing interventions are indicated to improve the patient-centered care NPs provide to individuals with mental health disorders.