Antibiotic awareness: exploring knowledge among culturally and linguistically diverse patients

Effective antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs must address the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients who often experience language barriers and varying cultural beliefs regarding antibiotics. They are at greater risk of receiving suboptimal or inappropriate care, yet guidance to support AMS practices for this population remains limited.

To investigate antibiotic knowledge, perspectives, and experiences of CALD patients.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between May to November 2023 at a Western Sydney tertiary hospital. Adult patients of CALD background on systemic antibiotics for more than 72 hours under surgical, respiratory, and geriatric specialties were surveyed on their understanding of their antibiotic treatment.

Of the 177 patients, median age was 70 years old (21-99 years), and 95/177 (53.7%) were males. Of the 177 patients, 171/177 (96.6%) reported speaking a language other than English at home. While 160/177 (90.4%) patients were told that they were treated with antibiotics, only 67/177 (37.9%) were told about duration, 35/177 (19.8%) were told about the side effects, and 27/177 (15.3%) were given written information. Information was provided by doctors to 125/177 (70.6%) patients, 72/177 (40.7%) by nurses, and 3/177 (1.7%) by pharmacists. Patients preferred to have received information from their doctor 79/177 (44.6%) or any healthcare professional 91/177 (51.4%).

Improving antibiotic education for CALD patients is essential to address communication gaps. Enhancing knowledge will support appropriate use, improved adherence and outcomes, and promote shared decision-making. Strengthening health literacy in CALD populations should be a priority for AMS programs.