Micah Hartwell1, Bryce Naberhaus2, Chelsea Arnhart2, Ryan Ottwell2, Kelly Dunn3, T Calli Rogers2, Matt Vassar4, Jason Beaman3. 1. Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States; Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States. Electronic address: micah.hartwell@okstate.edu. 2. Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States. 3. Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States; National Center for Wellness and Recovery, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States. 4. Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States; Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States.
Abstract
AIMS: Worldwide, alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most common substance use disorders, yet often goes undertreated. One major barrier that prevents adequate treatment of AUD is the high stigmatization the disorder receives, including from the scientific community. Thus, we evaluated the current use of patient-centered language (PCL) among AUD-related, journal publications. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis included a systematic search of PubMed AUD-related articles from May 2018 to April 2020. All journals with 20 or more AUD-related, PubMed indexed items with human subjects and available in English were included, resulting in 3445 articles from 49 journals. A random sample of 500 publications were screened and examined for inclusion of pre-specified, non- PCL terminology.. RESULTS: After excluding editorials and commentaries, 292 were retained. We found 59 (20.1 %) publications adhered to PCL. Among articles with non-PCL, labeling occurred in 198 (67.8 %) articles, and emotional language implying helplessness was identified in 123 (42.1 %). We found no difference in PCL adherence with journal ranking nor authorship guidelines requiring AMA/ICMJE adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Our investigation showed that a majority of current AUD literature does not conform to PCL standards. PCL carries a positive connotation and is recommended by multiple professional groups. In continuing the shift toward reducing stigma and increasing advocacy for individuals with AUD, it is necessary for the sources of information that guide clinical practice adhere to PCL. This study is not intended to impede the autonomy of individuals to label themselves or influence terms purposefully used in support programs.
AIMS: Worldwide, alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most common substance use disorders, yet often goes undertreated. One major barrier that prevents adequate treatment of AUD is the high stigmatization the disorder receives, including from the scientific community. Thus, we evaluated the current use of patient-centered language (PCL) among AUD-related, journal publications. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis included a systematic search of PubMed AUD-related articles from May 2018 to April 2020. All journals with 20 or more AUD-related, PubMed indexed items with human subjects and available in English were included, resulting in 3445 articles from 49 journals. A random sample of 500 publications were screened and examined for inclusion of pre-specified, non- PCL terminology.. RESULTS: After excluding editorials and commentaries, 292 were retained. We found 59 (20.1 %) publications adhered to PCL. Among articles with non-PCL, labeling occurred in 198 (67.8 %) articles, and emotional language implying helplessness was identified in 123 (42.1 %). We found no difference in PCL adherence with journal ranking nor authorship guidelines requiring AMA/ICMJE adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Our investigation showed that a majority of current AUD literature does not conform to PCL standards. PCL carries a positive connotation and is recommended by multiple professional groups. In continuing the shift toward reducing stigma and increasing advocacy for individuals with AUD, it is necessary for the sources of information that guide clinical practice adhere to PCL. This study is not intended to impede the autonomy of individuals to label themselves or influence terms purposefully used in support programs.
Authors: Micah Hartwell; Vanessa Lin; Mackenzee Hester; Nicholas B Sajjadi; Kelly Dunn; James Morris; Katie Witkiewitz Journal: J Addict Med Date: 2022-04-22 Impact factor: 4.647