Public awareness of the use of antibiotics: results of a cross-sectional study (questionnaire survey)

Background. For the development of the most effective strategy to combat antibiotic resistance (ABR), public awareness of the correct use of antibiotics should be taken into account. A simple way to find out is through a questionnaire survey. The information obtained will help to understand aspects of antibiotic therapy in which the population is less aware.

Objective. Analysis of the public awareness of the appropriate use of antibiotics.

Methods. During the third quarter of 2023, a cross-sectional study among the population in Astrakhan was conducted. It was a voluntary consent questionnaire survey using Google Forms. The questionnaire covered the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, the frequency and characteristics of taking antibiotics, prescription and purchase, correctness (rationality) of taking, knowledge about antibiotics, sources of information about them and about such a phenomenon as ABR, as well as the practice of consuming antibiotics and self-medication.

Results. 101 people took part in the survey, the majority of whom were women (84.2%). The mean age of respondents was 36.5 years. 64.4% of respondents had higher education, 23.8% had secondary education, and 14.8% had specialized secondary education. 41.6% of respondents rated their financial situation as middle income, 36.6% – as upper middle, 15.8% a- s low, 6.9% as extremely low and 5% as high. 15.8% of respondents had a deliberately negative attitude towards antibiotics, 57.8% treated themselves with antibiotics, 11.1% of respondents completed 3–4 courses of antibiotic therapy in 12 months, 27.7% did this without doctor’s recommendations, 68.3% completed the course ahead of schedule. 47.3% were able to buy an antibiotic without a prescription. 22.9% of respondents were convinced that an antibiotic would cope with any infection; 27.1% were confident that antibiotics were also effective against viruses. 42.7% of respondents were informed about the ABR problem.

Conclusion. It is recommended to conduct active and regular health education about the proper use of antibiotics and their adverse consequences, based specifically on the problematic aspects identified during the survey.