@article{ref1,
title="Problematic substance use: an assessment of workplace implications in midwifery",
journal="Occupational medicine",
year="2021",
author="Pezaro, S. and Maher, K. and Bailey, E. and Pearce, G.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Problematic substance use (PSU) poses occupational, personal and professional risks. As an occupational group, midwives have been under-represented in research on PSU. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess self-reported occurrences of PSU, help-seeking behaviours and barriers, and perceptions of impairment in UK-based midwives. <br><br>METHODS: Self-selecting registered midwives were anonymously surveyed using the Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription Medications, and Substance Use/Misuse (TAPS) tool, the Perceptions of Nursing Impairment Inventory (PNII) and open-ended/closed questions. Quantitative data were used to explore PSU, help-seeking and attitudes to impairment. Qualitative responses were used to provide richer understandings. <br><br>RESULTS: From 623 completed surveys, 28% (n = 176) self-reported PSU in response to work-related stress and anxiety, bullying, traumatic clinical incidents and maintenance of overall functioning. PSU was related to alcohol and a range of restricted drugs. While 11% of those affected indicated they had sought help, 27% felt they should seek help but did not. Reported barriers to help-seeking included fear of repercussions, shame, stigma, practicalities and a perceived lack of support either available or required. Perceptions of impairment were predominantly compassionate with a minority of stigmatizing attitudes displayed. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Overall, 10% of the sample reported they had attended work under the influence of alcohol, and 6% under the influence of drugs other than tobacco or those as prescribed to them. Furthermore, 37% indicated concern about a colleague's substance use. As stigmatizing attitudes and punitive actions can dissuade help-seeking, changed perceptions and policies which favour alternatives to discipline are suggested to reduce the risk overall.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0962-7480",
doi="10.1093/occmed/kqab127",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqab127"
}