Die (Un-)Sichtbarkeit von Alkoholkonsumstörungen im Medizinstudium – Eine qualitative Studie

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.