Knowledge of nursing students on psychotropic drugs

Abstract

The objective of this study is to characterize the learning situation of nursing students with regard to psychotropic drugs. Students from a public and a private school were interviewed. Data analysis was thematic. The results do not suggest substantial differences between the schools regarding: learning centered on psychophar-macology; influence of media and use of common sense in the epidemiology; motivations and problems related to drug use; myth repetition and prejudice of users; disrespect of the social conflicts that involve drug problems. It is necessary to improve education on this topic so that students will have adequate knowledge to act as professionals.