Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance from the Perspective of Public Policy: A Multinational Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception Survey to Determine Global Awareness.

Soeyu Naing,Jordi Vila,Max Van Wijk,Clara Ballesté-Delpierre

doi:10.3390/antibiotics10121486

Soeyu Naing, Jordi Vila + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10121486

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Abstract

Minimizing the effect of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) requires an adequate policy response that relies on good governance and coordination. This study aims to have a better comprehension of how AMR is understood and perceived by policy-makers and stakeholders in a multinational context. A digital survey was designed to capture the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) towards AMR, and it was distributed to politicians, policy advisors, and stakeholders. A total of 351 individuals from 15 different countries participated, 80% from high-income countries (HICs) and 20% from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The Netherlands, Spain, and Myanmar were the top 3 represented countries. Participants had sufficient knowledge regarding AMR and reported the importance of political willingness to tackle AMR. Overall, LMIC participants demonstrated better knowledge of AMR but showed poor perception and attitude towards antimicrobial use compared to HIC participants. In addition, level of education and field of expertise were significantly associated with knowledge, perception, and practices regardless of demographic characteristics. Inter-regional differences in KAP regarding AMR exist among politicians, policy advisors, and relevant stakeholders. This study captures multinational policy-maker and stakeholder mapping that can be used to propose further policy implementation on various governance levels.

Highlights

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global health threat that is sometimes referred to as the “silent tsunami” or the pandemic [1]
A total of 351 individuals representing 15 different countries participated in this study, with the vast majority (80.1%, n = 281) living in high-income countries (HICs) and the remaining 19.9% (n = 70) from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
The poor attitude toward antimicrobial use among LMIC participants might be explained by the higher incidence of infections in these regions and easier access to antimicrobials since the regulations are less restricted on antimicrobial use (AMU) in LMICs compared to HICs

Summary

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global health threat that is sometimes referred to as the “silent tsunami” or the pandemic [1]. In 2021, a United Nations (UN) General High-Level Interactive Dialogue on AMR called for a One Health integrative approach in AMR surveillance and implementation, research and development (R&D), budget planning, and the evaluation of AMR in the context of COVID-19 [7]. This rapid development of initiatives and growing awareness for AMR by multilateral organizations underlines that tackling AMR requires the active involvement of governments and stakeholders in a multidisciplinary context. It is important to evaluate how political willingness or interest can improve the budget allocations for the R&D of new antimicrobials

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