Social distance toward people with substance dependence: a survey among health professionals

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with social distance toward people with substance dependence among health professionals. A hundred and eighty-three health professionals from Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil, were interviewed using structured questionnaires with vignettes. The vignettes assessed emotional reactions generated by alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine dependents. Belief in recovery and perception of dangerousness were significantly associated with social distance toward people with cocaine and marijuana dependence. Only belief in recovery was significant with alcohol dependence. This study provides preliminary data on factors related to the desire for social distance among health professionals, improving the understanding of stigmatization, and the development of research and training in the area.