Perceived Nurse Stigma Experienced by Mothers With Perinatal Substance Use Disorder: A Concept Analysis

Background: Perinatal substance use disorders (SUDs) are a significant health problem in the United States and can have negative consequences to maternal–infant health outcomes. Nurses are frequent points of contact for mothers with perinatal SUD. Perceived nurse stigma experienced by mothers with perinatal SUD can interfere with evidence-based practices for mother–infant dyads. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze and define the concept of perceived nurse stigma experienced by mothers with perinatal SUD to improve nursing practice and health outcomes for this population. Methods: This study used a concept analysis approach. A comprehensive literature search was conducted and resulted in 16 studies for inclusion. Results: Five defining attributes of perceived nurse stigma were identified and included (1) perinatal SUD, (2) interactions with nurses, (3) perspectives of mothers with perinatal SUD, (4) negative behaviors of nurses, and (5) organizational culture. Consequences to perceived nurse stigma for mothers with perinatal SUD included internal stigma, disengagement in infants’ care, and challenges to form therapeutic relationships with their nurses. Conclusions: This concept analysis provides a theoretical foundation for future studies related to perceived nurse stigma experienced by mothers with perinatal SUD. Five main defining attributes were revealed to better describe the concept. Future studies should focus on the development of instruments to measure perceived nurse stigma and interventions to address perceived nurse stigma to improve nursing care and maternal–infant health outcomes.