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Updated: May 9, 2025

Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
Differing terminology used to describe antimicrobial resistance can influence comprehension and subsequent
Kate Grailey1, Ailidh Finlayson2, Bobby Stuijfzand2
1The Fleming Initiative, Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, UK. k.grailey18@imperial.ac.uk.
Background:
Despite global campaigns, the public's understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a global emergency remains limited. Behaviour change is crucial in preserving antimicrobials but requires improved understanding of AMR at a population level.
Methods:
Members of the public co-designed intervention arms, selecting three alternatives to AMR to be evaluated in a four-armed online randomised behavioural experiment. The primary outcome was attitudes towards AMR. Secondary and exploratory outcomes included comprehension, behavioural intent and recall.
Results:
In April 2024, 4296 participants completed the online survey. Antibiotic Resistance is the most effective terminology for attitudes towards AMR (p < 3.95E-06), comprehension (p = 0.013) and recall (p < 0.0003). Both Antibiotic Resistance and The Antibiotic Crisis reduce behavioural intent to stop a course of antibiotics early.
Conclusions:
Alternative terminology to describe AMR can impact attitudes, comprehension and behavioural intent towards antimicrobial use. Co-designing such terminology with the public can be an effective way utilising meaningful language in public health campaigns.
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