Abstract

Frontline care providers such as emergency nurses often interface with socially stigmatized individuals in need of medical care. Negative attitudes toward marginalized categories of patients, such as those who use illicit intravenous drugs while pregnant, may significantly affect the quality of healthcare patients receive. This study builds on existing knowledge of healthcare professionals’ attitudes regarding pregnancy and drug use. In the Southeastern U.S., An anonymous survey was administered to a convenience sample of emergency room nurses (n=102) using a mix of online and paper-based methods. Survey questions addressed nurses’ attitudes on multiple attitudinal dimensions, including but not limited to punishment, interactions with pregnant people who use illicit intravenous drugs, and assumptions about pregnant peoples’ judgment. Results indicated that respondents demonstrate mostly negative, punitive attitudes —yet partially favorable perceptions —towards pregnant people who use illicit intravenous drugs. Participating emergency room nurses’ negative and punitive attitudes suggest the potential for negative interactions with pregnant people who use illicit intravenous drugs, which may cause this at-risk population to avoid hospitals due to the potential of stigmatization

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