Knowledge, Attitudes, and Reported Practices of Medical Students and House Staff Regarding the Diagnosis and Treatment of Alcoholism

Gail Geller, David M. Levine, Joyce A. Mamon, Richard D. Moore, Lee R. Bone, Emma J. Stokes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

166 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although alcoholism is prevalent in both general and inpatient populations, barriers to its timely diagnosis and effective treatment exist. These are often attributed to physicians’ inadequate understanding and skill development and negative attitudes toward the disease. All Johns Hopkins’ medical students and house staff, during 1986 through 1987, received a self-administered survey of their attitudes, skills, perceived role responsibility, knowledge, and reported practices with regard to alcoholism. Results indicate a strong relationship between perceived role responsibility, confidence in skills, and reported screening and referral practices among students and house staff. Knowledge levels strengthened the association between skills and practices for medical students. House staff perceived less of a responsibility for screening than medical students. There was a trend toward lower confidence and more negative attitudes among house staff than medical students. The results point to areas where educational interventions can be improved to enhance quality of care and outcomes for this major chronic disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3115-3120
Number of pages6
JournalJAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association
Volume261
Issue number21
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2 1989

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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