Postawy ludzi młodych wobec stosowania antybiotykoterapii

Abstract

Background. Antibiotics are a group of drugs which, when taken not according to doctor’s recommendations, may contribute to the increase of antibiotic resistance. Wide use of antibiotics in the fight against pathogenic strains of bacteria has contributed to the resistance of bacteria. An important problem related with the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance is the spread of acquired resistance, which is associated with the unreasonable use of antibiotics by humans, i.e., their abuse.Objectives. The aim of the research was to analyze the attitude of young people towards the use of antibiotics.Material and Methods. The diagnostic survey method was used. The study involved 215 people over 20 years of age, using the services in the Primary Health Care facilities located in the city and municipality of Sędziszów in the Świętokrzyskie voivodeship who expressed their willingness to fill in the proprietary questionnaire. The most numerous group were women, people aged 30–39 years, city residents, and people with higher education.Results. Statistical analysis showed that the place of residence affects the opinions about the possibility of terminating the antibiotic therapy (p = 0.013). In the group of people living in the countryside, a higher percentage of people claimed that better health condition is tantamount to the possibility of ending the antibiotic use. There is a significant relationship between age and deciding to take an antibiotic without consulting a doctor (p = 0.004). Individuals between 40 and 49 years of age and over 50 are more likely than younger people to take the drug without consulting a specialist.Conclusion. The study participants are aware of the negative consequences of unjustified use of the antibiotics; however, in many instances, they do not consult their doctor.