Abstract
Antibiotics are inappropriate for the treatment of toothache, yet many seek them. Social media allows users to express their opinions, share experiences and offer support. This study used social media to investigate the public's experiences of, and attitudes towards, antibiotics for toothache. A systematic search of posts on Facebook and Twitter was undertaken. Eligibility criteria were applied to select relevant social media posts for thematic analysis of word content. An inductive descriptive coding system was developed from the data and exemplary quotes were identified to illustrate the themes and subthemes identified. Key findings Searches identified 174 posts, of which 144 were selected for analysis. Five themes were identified: experience and expectations, self-care and professional treatment, access to dental care, quality of life and coping strategies. The belief that antibiotics are an appropriate treatment for a toothache was widespread. Antibiotic-seeking behaviour was related to access to professional dental care, including avoiding dental appointments due to dental anxiety and the perceived affordability of dentistry. A range of strategies to cope with the severe impact toothache was having on people's quality of life were identified, from prayer to antibiotics. Social media is used extensively to seek antibiotics, avoid dental treatment and provide support to people with toothache. A general belief that antibiotics are an appropriate and necessary treatment for toothache exists. This improved understanding about the factors driving antibiotic-seeking behaviour provides new targets for the development of approaches to tackling antibiotic resistance, by reducing unnecessary antibiotic use in dental clinics and beyond.
Highlights
Across the globe, antimicrobial resistance continues to spread, resulting in a growing number of infections becoming harder to treat as the drugs used to treat them become less effective.[1]
Experiences and expectations Previous experiences of antibiotics and/or dental treatment together with the beliefs and expectations expressed by post authors found that the social media users frequently expected antibiotics would be the outcome of dental appointments
Whilst studies have questioned the value of generalised public health campaigns about antibiotic resistance, [52] the results of this review suggest that social media may present a suitable route to engage with people about antibiotics
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance continues to spread, resulting in a growing number of infections becoming harder to treat as the drugs used to treat them become less effective.[1]. Https:// assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/524750/GSR_Social_Media_Research_Guidance_-_ Using_social_media_for_social_research.pdf#:~:text=The%20 Social%20Media%20Research%20Group%20was%20established%20 in,and%20the%20appropriate%20use%20of%20findings%20in%20 policy-making 32. A survey of awareness related to the use of antibiotics for dental issues among non-medical female university students in Riyadh, Saudi
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