title: Nurses' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding substance use: a questionnaire survey.
abstract: A questionnaire on nurses' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practises regarding substance use was distributed to 302 nurses in Victoria. One hundred and thirty-four returned the questionnaire, giving an overall response rate of 44.3%. The survey results showed that although knowledge and skill gaps exist in assessment and management of alcohol and drug problems, overall knowledge levels were adequate. Although positive attitudes towards substance use were expressed, specific educational programs to enhance nurses' skills in assessment and management of substance-related disorders may be beneficial.
authors.affiliation: Center for Psychiatric Nursing Research and Practice, School of Postgraduate Nursing, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Happell
authors.forename: Bill
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Carta
authors.forename: Jaya
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pinikahana
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004506:Education, Nursing; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014739:Victoria