Community Intervention Model to Reduce Inappropriate Antibiotic Use

Abstract

Background: The Inter-Mountain Project on Antibiotic Resistance and Therapy (IMPART) is an intervention that addresses emerging antimicrobial resistance and the reduction of unnecessary antimicrobial use. Purpose: This study assesses the design and implementation of the community intervention component of IMPART. Methods: The study was conducted in 12 rural Utah and Idaho communities. Following initial implementation, the intervention was evaluated and redesigned based on health behavior theory. Community penetration and intercept interview data were analyzed using multi-level logistic regression. Results: Over 10% of interview respondents were familiar with IMPART. Those exposed to intervention materials tended to be younger, female, and more likely to have had a family member with recent respiratory illness. Of those who had seen the project Self-Care Guide, 62% reported having a copy and 32% had talked to others about the information it contained. Correct responses to antibiotic knowledge questions were higher among those with high (OR=2.02) and low exposure (OR=1.27) to the intervention versus no exposure. Discussion: Theoretically-based community interventions such as IMPART can be used to promote appropriate, positively framed health behaviors. Translation to Health Education Practice: IMPART serves as an example of how health interventions can benefit from health behavior theory.