Virtual subject on addictions in the nursing degree: influence on beliefs and intentions

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the effect of a virtual subject on addictions upon the beliefs and intentions of drug use among Nursing Degree students, and to compare it with the face-toface subject and a group who did not receive the subject. Method: a quasi-experimental study with an intervention arm (ExpG: virtual subject in the 2020 term) and non-concurrent controls (Comp1G: face-to-face subject; Comp2G: not attending the subject). All students were invited to participate. The subject was taught during 16 weeks using presentations, case analysis and group discussions among other strategies. Demographic variables were measured, as well as previous training and use of substances. As a result, the beliefs and intentions regarding drug use were evaluated through self-reported scales at baseline and when completing the subject. There was descriptive and inferential statistics with mixed ANCOVA test. Results: no changes in the beliefs regarding use abuse were detected in the ExpG (p> 0.05), but there were changes in the intentions to use substances (p= 0.008). When comparing the effects with the other groups, an interaction was detected between poolability and time (p= 0.005), which suggests that the changes in beliefs towards drugs were specifically registered among those who received the face-to-face subject. There was a reduction in the intentions to use substances in all groups at the end of the study (p< 0.05). Conclusion: receiving the virtual subject reduced the intentions to use drugs among the students; said changes were not higher than in other groups. The beliefs favourable to using drugs were reduced in the face-to-face group.