Abstract

BackgroundIn 2006, a study investigating knowledge and attitudes regarding antibiotic use and resistance in Sweden, indicated high level of knowledge but also areas in need of improvement.Objective(i) To provide an update on the knowledge and attitudes to antibiotic use and resistance of the Swedish population, and (ii) to identify which groups within the population are in particular need of improved knowledge or attitudes.MethodsA questionnaire was sent by post in 2013 to 2,500 randomly-selected individuals aged 18–74, living in Sweden. Latent class analyses were conducted to group respondents based on their responses. The association between socio-demographic characteristics and the probability of belonging to each latent class was assessed.ResultsThe response rate was 57%. Ninety-four per cent of the responders knew that bacteria could become resistant to antibiotics and the majority answered correctly to the questions regarding antibiotic resistance development. The respondents expressed confidence in doctors who decided not to prescribe antibiotics. Three latent classes related to ‘knowledge regarding antibiotic use and resistance’, two regarding ‘attitudes towards antibiotic accessibility and infection prevention’ and three regarding ‘attitudes towards antibiotic use and effects’ were revealed. Men, younger and more educated people were more knowledgeable but males had a less restrictive attitude. Respondents with high levels of knowledge on antibiotics were more likely to have appropriate restrictive attitudes to antibiotics.ConclusionKnowledge on antibiotic use and resistance is maintained high and has improved in Sweden compared to 2006. People with lower education and elderly are especially in need of improved knowledge about antibiotic use and resistance.

Highlights

  • Antibiotic treatment is a pre-requisite for modern healthcare

  • Ninety-four per cent of the responders knew that bacteria could become resistant to antibiotics and the majority answered correctly to the questions regarding antibiotic resistance development

  • The Swedish population’s level of knowledge and awareness regarding antibiotic use and resistance is high compared to other European countries and has increased since 2006

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Summary

Introduction

Antibiotic treatment is a pre-requisite for modern healthcare. Studies have indicated the occurrence of unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in Sweden[5,6] and there are unexplained differences in antibiotic sales between Swedish counties.[7] In Sweden, national authorities have, together with the network of Strama-groups (The Swedish strategic programme against antibiotic resistance), monitored and analysed national and local resistance and consumption data, and developed recommendations for antibiotic treatment and prophylaxis since 1994. Recurring press events through Swedish media have been conducted to disseminate information regarding antibiotic resistance development to the general population.[8,9]. In 2006, a study investigating knowledge and attitudes regarding antibiotic use and resistance in Sweden, indicated high level of knowledge and areas in need of improvement

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Conclusion

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