[The (In)visibility of Alcohol Use Disorders in Medical Education - A Qualitative Study].

OBJECTIVE

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are stigmatized, including in healthcare. As medical education shapes future practice, this study explored students' views on AUD teaching and approaches to reduce stigma.

METHODS

Three focus groups with 16 preclinical medical students were conducted. Transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke, combining inductive and deductive coding.

RESULTS

Teaching was perceived as insufficient and predominantly biomedical, with gaps in practical skills, patient interaction, psychosocial perspectives, and reflection on stigma. Suggested improvements included earlier and longitudinal integration, patient-centered formats, and explicit training of professional attitudes.

CONCLUSIONS

Structural and curricular shortcomings may reinforce stigmatizing attitudes, highlighting the need for integrated, patient-centered, and practice-oriented education.