Public knowledge, attitude and practices towards antibiotics and antibiotic resistance: a cross-sectional study in Szeged District, Hungary

Abstract

The aim of our present study was to assess the knowledge level and attitudes of patients (general population) towards antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance, in addition to their practices towards the procurement and use of these drugs in the Szeged District of Hungary. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based pilot study was performed among patients aged 18 years or older in the Szeged District. The study population comprised of adult patients attending their general practitioner’s (GP) offices. Data collection for the survey was running between January 2016 and January 2018. Responses from n=109 were included in the final analysis. The median age of the respondents was 51 years (50.8±17.8 years, range: 19-93). The majority of respondents were from the seat of the district and the county (Szeged; n=62; 56.9%). 53.7% (n=59) reported having a chronic illness which requires medical attention/pharmacotherapy. Almost one-third (32.1%) has taken these drugs during the last 12 months. 90.5% (n=99) of respondents has obtained their last course of ABs through a medical prescription. The average number of correct answers overall were 2.11±1.16; highest level of education (p<0.001) and reported use of antibiotics for inappropriate indications showed significant associated in the results of knowledge-based questions (p=0.03). Higher education levels were associated with better knowledge and attitudes, in addition, the majority of respondents were not aware of the differences between bacterial and viral infections and their treatment.