One of the main factors contributing to the spread of antibiotic resistance is the lack of public knowledge about antibiotics.
OBJECTIVE
To identify gaps in public knowledge about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance and the factors with which they are associated.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this paper, the online survey method (Computer Assisted Web Interviewing — CAWI) was used; the electronic questionnaire was filled in for all regions of the Russian Federation using a questionnaire consisting of 6 blocks and 41 questions. The software package Statistica version 10.0 for Windows and R-studio were used for the statistical processing of the study results.
RESULTS
The study included 2.725 participants. The respondents’ knowledge level about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance was satisfactory (9.7 points out of 14) and higher in women than men. Almost all (87.9%) of the study participants knew that frequent and incorrect use of antibiotics reduces their effectiveness and is dangerous. Most (41.6%) respondents believed antibiotics kill viruses and are also effective in ARVI (common cold). Parameters associated with a high level of knowledge about antibiotics were female gender, higher education, purchase of antibiotics on prescription, use of doctor’s recommendations, the Internet and instructions for medicines as the main sources of information about antibiotics, as well as taking drugs as prescribed by a doctor. Parameters associated with a low level of knowledge about antibiotics were taking drugs as recommended by a nurse, lack of information about the harm of inappropriate antibiotics administration, the use of the knowledge (opinions) of the nurse, family members, or friends as the main sources of information about antibiotics.
CONCLUSION
It is necessary to conduct educational activities, promote patient awareness during visits, and increase the doctors’ authority to consider them as the main source of information about antibacterial drugs and increase public knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance.
