Relationship between emotional intelligence and health personnel attitudes toward hospitalized patients with addictions

Introduction: health personnel's attitudes toward patients with substance use disorders can influence the quality of care provided. Emotional intelligence has been shown to be a key factor in providing empathetic and stigma-free care in clinical settings. Objective: to analyze the relationship between emotional intelligence and health personnel's attitudes toward hospitalized patients who use alcohol or drugs. Methods: an observational study was conducted with 286 health professionals working in a tertiary level hospital. Data were collected using the Emotional Intelligence Scale (TMMS-24), the Alcohol Problem Perception Questionnaire (AAPPQ), and the Drug Problem Perception Questionnaire (DDPPQ). Spearman's test analysis was performed. Results: relationship was identified between emotional intelligence and attitudes toward patients with alcohol use problems (r = 0,248, p < 0,01), but not toward patients with drug use problems (r = 0,097, p > 0,05). Emotional clarity and repair, as dimensions of emotional intelligence, correlated with positive attitudes of healthcare personnel toward both groups of patients (p < 0,01). Conclusions: it is suggested that training programs be developed to promote the strengthening of emotional intelligence to reduce negative attitudes and stigma in the hospital setting when faced with people requiring medical care for problems caused by alcohol and drug use.