Consumer attitudes and use of antibiotics

Abstract

Recent antibiotic use is a risk factor for infection or colonization with resistant bacterial pathogens. Demand for antibiotics can be affected by consumers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices. In 1998-1999, the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet( conducted a population-based, random-digit dialing telephone survey, including questions regarding respondents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices of antibiotic use. Twelve percent had recently taken antibiotics; 27% believed that taking antibiotics when they had a cold made them better more quickly, 32% believed that taking antibiotics when they had a cold prevented more serious illness, and 48% expected a prescription for antibiotics when they were ill enough from a cold to seek medical attention. These misguided beliefs and expectations were associated with a lack of awareness of the dangers of antibiotic use; 58% of patients were not aware of the possible health dangers. National educational efforts are needed to address these issues if patient demand for antibiotics is to be reduced.

Figure

Demographic distributions of responses to five statements about antibiotics. Histograms show the percentage of respondents agreeing with each of the statements. 1) In the past 4 weeks, have you (has he/she) taken any antibiotic medicine? 2) When I have a cold, I should take antibiotics to prevent getting a more serious illness. 3) When I get a cold, antibiotics help me to get better more quickly. 4) By the time I am sick enough to talk to or visit a doctor because of a cold, I usually expect a prescription for antibiotics. 5) Are you aware of any health dangers to yourself or other people associated with taking antibiotics?