Abstract
The public plays an important role in controlling the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. A large British survey showed that there is still public misunderstanding about microbes and antibiotics. e-Bug, a European DG Sanco sponsored project, aims to disseminate a school antibiotic and hygiene educational pack and website across Europe. Interactive science shows based on the e-Bug educational packs were developed to take the key health and hygiene messages from the e-Bug school resources to families. The science show was evaluated to assess public knowledge and understanding of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance pre and post intervention. An interactive stall comprised of a 3×2 m backing stand with background information, an interactive activity and discussions with a trained demonstrator was on display at a family holiday resort. Pre-piloted knowledge questionnaires were completed by parents and children pre and post intervention. Adult (≥19 years) baseline knowledge regarding antibiotics and antibiotic resistance was high although significant knowledge improvement was observed where baseline knowledge was low. Children's (5–11 years) knowledge around antibiotics and antibiotic resistance was significantly improved for all questions. The science show can be viewed as a success in improving parents' and children's knowledge of antibiotic use thereby highlighting the importance of educating the public through interaction.
Highlights
Microbial resistance to antibiotics was first documented in 1947, just four years after they were mass-produced, and to this day it continues to be a growing problem for hospitals [1] and communities.2 There are numerous complex reasons for the increase in antibiotic resistance but it is clear that antibiotic use is associated with resistance [2,3]
Main findings Children’s baseline knowledge on antibiotics and their usage is quite low; a correct response for all questions was less than 55%
Adult baseline knowledge regarding antibiotics was higher with correct response at baseline for questions ranging from 52.4% to 95.4%
Summary
Microbial resistance to antibiotics was first documented in 1947, just four years after they were mass-produced, and to this day it continues to be a growing problem for hospitals [1] and communities. There are numerous complex reasons for the increase in antibiotic resistance but it is clear that antibiotic use is associated with resistance [2,3]. Recent studies show that there is still public demand for antibiotics [10] and misunderstanding about the activity of antibiotics against microbes and their prudent use [11,12,13]. This misunderstanding is reflected in the 2013 Eurobarometer survey, which found that 84% of respondents were aware that taking too many antibiotics makes them ineffective, the main reason given by respondents for taking antibiotics is to treat flu or a cold, regardless of the fact that antibiotics do not kill viruses [14]
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