A survey of public knowledge and attitude related to antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in Southwest Alberta

Antibiotics changed the world and radically transformed diseases that were once deadly into manageable health problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the public knowledge and attitude regarding antibiotics use and antibiotic resistance in southwest Alberta. A cross-sectional face to face survey of individuals aged 18 years and older and residents of Lethbridge, Coaldale, Coal Hurst, Fort Macleod, Raymond and Taber was conducted. Of the 219 respondents, the majority agreed that antibiotics can kill bacteria (81.4%), whereas a notable proportion (43%) agreed that antibiotics can kill viruses. About 55% of the respondents indicated that antibiotic was effective for treating most sore-throat while over 30% agreed antibiotics are used for treating most common cold and cough. Marital status, education, ethnicity and antibiotics resistance education were predictors of antibiotic knowledge. Marital status, age, education, ethnicity and antibiotics resistance education were predictors of antibiotic attitude.

Author

• Jaja, Oyindamola

• Antibiotic use, Public Knowledge, Public Attitude, Antibiotic Resistance

Identifier

hdl:10133/5000

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:opus.uleth.ca:10133/5000