Antibiotic-seeking behavior in college students: what do they really expect?

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat.
• Injudicious antibiotic use is driven by factors including patient expectations.
• Understanding patient behavior is crucial for antimicrobial stewardship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess antibiotic-seeking behavior in college students with upper respiratory complaints.
• To determine the influence of antibiotic prescriptions on patient satisfaction.
• To identify factors associated with patient expectations for antibiotic therapy.

Main Methods:

• Survey of 129 ill college students presenting to a university health center.
• Analysis of antibiotic expectation based on perceived infection type (bacterial vs. viral).
• Correlation of patient satisfaction with diagnosis clarity, treatment rationale, and prescription receipt.

Main Results:

• 55% of students expected an antibiotic prescription.
• Antibiotic expectation was higher when students believed their infection was bacterial (90%) versus viral (40%).
• Patient satisfaction was significantly associated with a clear diagnosis, treatment explanation, and receiving an antibiotic prescription.

Conclusions:

• Patient satisfaction is influenced by receiving an antibiotic, regardless of actual need.
• Improved patient education and clinician-patient communication are vital to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
• Addressing patient expectations is key to combating antibiotic resistance.