Patients' interviews and misuse of antibiotics
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
Published on: August 30, 2018
1Department of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. pechere@cmu.unige.ch
Abstract:
To better evaluate patient contribution in antibiotic use, we questioned 5379 subjects from 9 countries. Antibiotics are perceived as strong, efficient drugs, but they are believed to undermine immunity. Interviewees believe that most respiratory infections, except the common cold, require antibiotic therapy, and 11% of them had to exaggerate their symptoms to get an antibiotic prescription from their physician. About 1 patient in 4 saved part of the antibiotic course for future use. Sixty-nine percent of the patients claimed to have taken the course until the end (United Kingdom, 90%; Thailand, 53%), and 75% claimed that they actually took all the daily doses. In all countries, it was possible to get antibiotics from a pharmacist without a medical prescription. This study shows that patients exert pressure on their doctors to get antibiotics and should allow a design for precise educational action aimed at the public for better control of antibiotic use in the community.
Insights
Patients often seek antibiotics for respiratory infections, sometimes exaggerating symptoms. Many save leftover antibiotics, highlighting a need for public education on responsible antibiotic use to combat resistance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antibiotic misuse is a significant global health concern.
- Patient perceptions and behaviors significantly influence antibiotic prescribing patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate patient attitudes and practices regarding antibiotic use across nine countries.
- To understand patient-driven factors contributing to antibiotic consumption.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 5,379 individuals across nine countries was conducted.
- Data collected included patient beliefs about antibiotics, symptom exaggeration, and self-reported adherence to treatment.
Main Results:
- A majority of patients believe antibiotics are necessary for most respiratory infections.
- 11% of patients exaggerated symptoms to obtain prescriptions, and 25% saved antibiotics for future use.
- Access to antibiotics without a prescription was reported in all surveyed countries.
Conclusions:
- Patients actively influence antibiotic prescribing through direct requests and symptom exaggeration.
- There is a clear need for targeted public health education campaigns to promote judicious antibiotic stewardship in the community.
More Related Videos
08:33Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Analyses of Murine Intestinal Microbiota After Oral Antibiotic Treatment
Published on: November 17, 2018
09:59Application of the Intelligent High-Throughput Antimicrobial Sensitivity Testing/Phage Screening System and Lar Index of Antimicrobial Resistance
Published on: July 21, 2023
Related Concept Videos
00:57Antibiotic Selection
01:02Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:26Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test
01:21Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance