The vicious cycle of the public's irrational use of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections: A mixed methods systematic review

The public's irrational use of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections: a cross-sectional study based on the health belief model

To understand the reasons for the public's irrational use of antibiotics based on the health belief model (HBM). A questionnaire survey was conducted based on cluster random sampling in Chongqing, China. The public's antibiotic use behaviors, knowledge, perceived threat of diseases [both short-term upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and long-term antibiotic resistance (AR)], perceived value of antibiotic use (benefits and harm), self-efficacy, antibiotic availability and social influences were measured. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to test the fitness of the survey data with the theoretical framework based on the HBM. A total of 815 respondents were enrolled. The irrational use of antibiotics was prevalent among the public (mean: 2.95, SD = 2.12). The public had limited knowledge about antibiotic use (average 29.17% correct answers to 8 questions), a high perceived threat of AR (mean = 2.46, SD = 0.64) and a moderate perceived threat of URTIs (mean = 2.13, SD = 1.04). They also perceived high benefits (mean = 2.57, SD = 0.68) and moderate harm (mean = 2.16, SD = 0.83) from antibiotic use. In addition, respondents had easy access to antibiotics (mean = 2.38, SD = 0.80), perceived a high prevalence of use of antibiotics by relatives (mean = 2.40, SD = 0.65) and had a moderate level of self-efficacy in using antibiotics (mean = 1.97, SD = 0.75). The SEM results showed that higher levels of the perceived threat of URTIs, perceived benefits of antibiotic use, self-efficacy, antibiotic availability and social influence were associated with more irrational antibiotic use behavior (p < 0.005). Moreover, higher knowledge indirectly led to irrational use of antibiotics by promoting self-efficacy (p < 0.001) and the perceived threat of URTIs (p < 0.005). To curb the irrational use of antibiotics, improving knowledge alone is insufficient. A ​​systematic approach addressing multiple dimensions of health beliefs​​ is critical. This includes: (1) ​​targeted public education campaigns​​ emphasizing the limited efficacy of antibiotics for viral infections and reframing perceptions of antibiotic "benefits"; (2) ​​regulatory measures to restrict non-prescription antibiotic sales​​ in pharmacies; (3) ​​clinical guidelines and training​​ to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions by healthcare providers; and (4) ​​community-level interventions​​ leveraging social norms to discourage inappropriate antibiotic use. Policymakers should prioritize interventions that address both individual perceptions (e.g., fear of untreated infections) and systemic drivers (e.g., antibiotic accessibility).

Antibiotic-perturbed microbiota and the role of probiotics

The disruptive effect of antibiotics on the composition and function of the human microbiota is well established. However, the hypothesis that probiotics can help restore the antibiotic-disrupted microbiota has been advanced, with little consideration of the strength of evidence supporting it. Some clinical data suggest that probiotics can reduce antibiotic-related side effects, including Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea, but there are no data that causally link these clinical effects to microbiota protection or recovery. Substantial challenges hinder attempts to address this hypothesis, including the absence of consensus on the composition of a 'normal' microbiota, non-standardized and evolving microbiome measurement methods, and substantial inter-individual microbiota variation. In this Review, we explore these complexities. First, we review the known benefits and risks of antibiotics, the effect of antibiotics on the human microbiota, the resilience and adaptability of the microbiota, and how microbiota restoration might be defined and measured. Subsequently, we explore the evidence for the efficacy of probiotics in preventing disruption or aiding microbiota recovery post-antibiotic treatment. Finally, we offer insights into the current state of research and suggest directions for future research.

Eliciting parents' decision-making to antibiotic use for upper respiratory tract infections: A discrete choice experiment

Background

Addressing antibiotic resistance is important for reducing parents' self-medication of antibiotics for children's upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). However, the decision-making process for parents who irrationally use such antibiotics is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the reasons why parents self-medicate antibiotics for children's URTIs based on a discrete choice experiment.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and in-depth interviews to identify the key attributes of choices when parents self-medicate antibiotics for children's URTIs. We developed and applied a discrete choice experiment in Wuhan and Chongqing, China. We used a mixed logit model to determine the impact of various attributes on parents' decisions, while we applied latent class logit models to explore different decision-making patterns within populations.

Results

A total of 400 valid responses were returned from parents. It was shown that symptom severity was the most important in parents' decision-making to self-medicate antibiotics for children's URTIs, followed by risk of side effects or resistance, duration, total cost, onset time of antibiotic, and antibiotic effectiveness. More severe and longer symptoms, perceived higher effectiveness, and fewer side effects of antibiotics consistently were significantly associated with parents' more likely to self-medicate with antibiotics for children's URTIs. There are also different patterns of decision-making of parents, including 'symptoms-oriented,' 'safety-oriented,' and 'comprehensive consideration.' Parents' gender and educational level were associated with decision-making patterns.

Conclusions

Parents' self-medication of antibiotics for children's URTIs was mainly driven by symptoms, followed by perceived antibiotic value. We recommend a multi-faceted intervention strategy to enhance parents' ability to differentiate mild from severe URTIs, as well as their knowledge of antibiotics.

Barriers and facilitators to self-management among women with gestational diabetes: A systematic review using the COM-B model

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a common complication during pregnancy, and its prevalence rates have increased dramatically in recent years. Treatment of gestational diabetes requires the active self-management, however, this can be challenging. Understanding the barriers and facilitators of adherence to self-management recommendations is essential for designing effective interventions.

AIM

To identify and synthesize barriers and facilitators to self-management of gestational diabetes reported by pregnant women.

METHODS

This was a mixed-methods systematic review, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies. A literature search was conducted in four databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and the Web of Science). Eligible studies explored the barriers and/or facilitators, experiences and/or perceptions to engage in self-management in women with gestational diabetes. The Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour model was used to classify barriers and facilitators affecting self-management.

RESULTS

Thirty-six studies (23 qualitative, 11 quantitative, and 2 mixed-methods) met the inclusion criteria. We identified barriers and facilitators relating to capability (e.g., physical discomforts and constraints; lack of knowledge of GDM and self-management behaviours; forgetfulness), opportunity (e.g., limited education and resources; social support from family, friends, and peer groups; conflict with existing lifestyles or cultural norms), and motivation (e.g., perceived negative consequence of self-management behaviours or not perceived benefits; negative emotion; concern the health of the baby).

CONCLUSION

In this study, we identified the barriers and facilitators of self-management in women with gestational diabetes, which were explained by relevant theoretical models. Interventions should be developed with full consideration of these findings to ensure that pregnant women have the correct knowledge and confidence to self-manage their complications.

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis - update from 2017 to 2023

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health concern. A previous systematic review showed that migrants in Europe are at increased risk of AMR. Since the COVID-19 pandemic there have been rapid changes in patterns of antibiotic use, AMR, and migration. We aimed to present an updated evidence synthesis on the current distribution of AMR among migrants in Europe.

Methods

We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022343263). We searched databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed and Scopus) from 18 January 2017 until 18 January 2023 to identify primary data from observational studies reporting any laboratory-confirmed AMR among migrants in the European Economic Area (EEA) and European Union-15 (EU-15) countries using over 7 key search terms for migrants and over 70 terms for AMR and countries in Europe. Outcomes were infection with, or colonisation of AMR bacteria. Methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Observational Studies. We meta-analysed the pooled-prevalence of infection and/or colonisation of AMR organisms.

Findings

Among 630 articles, 21 observational studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The pooled prevalence for any detected AMR was 28.0% (95% CI 18.0%-41.0%, I 2  = 100%) compared to a 25.4% seen in the previous review; gram-negative bacteria 31.0% (95% CI 20.0%-44.0%, I 2  = 100%), and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus 10.0% (95% CI 5.0%-16.0%, I 2  = 99%). Drug-resistant bacteria were more prevalent in community settings in large migrant populations (pooled prevalence: 41.0%, 95% CI 24.0%-60.0%, I 2  = 99%) than in hospitals (21.0%, 95% CI 12.0%-32.0%, I 2  = 99%). AMR estimates in 'other' migrants were 32.0%, (95% CI 12.0%-57.0%, I 2  = 100%) and 28.0% (95% CI 18.0%-38.0%, I 2 = 100%) in forced migrants. No firm evidence of AMR acquisition with arrival time or length of stay in the host country was found.

Interpretation

Studies investigating AMR in migrants are highly heterogenous. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, migrants may be at higher risk of acquiring resistant bacteria, particularly gram-negative bacteria, within community settings such as refugee camps and detention centres in Europe. Our study highlights the importance of infrastructure and hygiene measures within these settings, to mitigate transmission of resistant pathogens. Policy-makers should screen for AMR in migrants prior to departure from countries of origin, where feasible, and upon arrival to a new country to ensure optimal health screening, infection control and effective treatment.

Funding

There was no funding source for this study.

The public's antibiotic use behavioural patterns and their determinants for upper respiratory tract infections: a latent class analysis based on consumer behaviour model in China

Background

The irrational use of antibiotics among the public is a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is a serious global threat. Prior studies have demonstrated that there are different behavioural patterns regarding antibiotic use among the public, and targeted interventions for subgroups with different behavioural patterns may be more effective. Thus, this study aimed to identify the public's behavioural patterns of antibiotic use for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and their influencing factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the general population in Chongqing, China. Consumer decision-making (Consumer Behaviour Model, CBM) was used to assess the public's behaviours regarding antibiotic use, including need recognition, information searching, alternative evaluation, obtaining antibiotics, antibiotic consumption, and postuse evaluation. Furthermore, a latent class analysis was used to identify the underlying behavioural patterns among the public. The identified behavioural patterns of antibiotic use were further linked with individuals' capacity, opportunity, and motivation factors of antibiotic use based on a multinominal logistic regression to explore possible determinants.

Results

A total of 815 respondents were enrolled in the study. The public's irrational use of antibiotics was prevalent, including antibiotic self-medication (39.63%), nonprescription antibiotic purchasing (59.02%), and early stopping of antibiotic prescriptions (76.56%). Participants had inadequate knowledge of antibiotics (Mean = 2.33, SD = 1.71), reported high availability to antibiotics (Mean = 7.13, SD = 2.41), held strong belief in antibiotic effectiveness (Mean = 10.29, SD = 2.71), and demonstrated a high perceived threat of AMR (Mean = 12.30, SD = 3.20). Four behavioural patterns regarding antibiotic use for URTIs were identified, namely, "antibiotic self-medicators" (n = 165, 20.25%), "formal health care seekers" (n = 216, 26.50%), "various treatment users" (n = 198, 24.20%), and "self-medication without antibiotics" (n = 236, 28.96%). Individuals' self-efficacy of antibiotic use, belief in antibiotic effectiveness, awareness of antibiotic side effects, perceived antibiotic availability, social influence, and demographics (age, education, medical insurance, and having a medical background) were significantly associated with the public's different behavioural patterns of antibiotic use for URTIs.

Conclusion

This study calls for collaborative efforts among the public, physicians, policy makers, and the implementation of precise and multifaceted interventions to effectively reduce irrational use of antibiotics in the public. Such interventions include identifying subgroups within the public to provide more targeted education about antibiotics and the management of URTIs, reinforcing the regulation of antibiotic dispensing, and improving physicians' rational antibiotic prescriptions.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Antibiotic Sales in Pharmacies in Medellín, Colombia 2023

OBJECTIVE

Describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the sale of antibiotics in pharmacies in Medellín, Colombia.

METHOD

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 277 selected pharmacies using a stratified sampling method with proportional allocation to represent all areas of the city. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) were assessed using a scale, analyzed with absolute and relative frequencies for each item, and represented in a global score ranging from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating better KAPs. Data were analyzed using relative frequencies with 95% confidence intervals, the Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and linear regression.

RESULTS

Of the included pharmacies, 52.6% were chain pharmacies, 48.4% were attended by pharmacy assistants, and 59% of pharmacists had more than 5 years of experience. The median knowledge score was 70.8 (IQR 58.3-87.5), with 35.3% of pharmacists believing that antibiotics are effective in treating the common cold, 35.2% for treating COVID-19, and 29.4% considering them available for sale without a medical prescription. The attitude score was 53.3 (40.0-66.7), with 60.9% agreeing that prohibiting the sale of antibiotics without a prescription would decrease their sales. The practice score was 62.5 (40.0-79.2), with 65.4% of pharmacists stating that they sometimes sell antibiotics without a prescription due to patients struggling to obtain a medical consultation, 61.3% admitting to selling antibiotics without a prescription for urinary tract infections, and 41.3% for upper respiratory tract infections. Practices were predominantly influenced by pharmacy type (chain or independent) and, to a lesser extent, by knowledge and attitudes.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacists in Medellín exhibit inadequate knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the use and sale of antibiotics without a medical prescription. These findings align with international evidence highlighting the need for educational and regulatory strategies promoting rational antibiotic use in pharmacies.

Effectiveness of decision support tools on reducing antibiotic use for respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Clinical decision support tools (CDSs) have been demonstrated to enhance the accuracy of antibiotic prescribing among physicians. However, their effectiveness in reducing inappropriate antibiotic use for respiratory tract infections (RTI) is controversial. Methods: A literature search in 3 international databases (Medline, Web of science and Embase) was conducted before 31 May 2023. Relative risk (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention. Summary effect sizes were calculated using a random-effects model due to the expected heterogeneity (I 2 over 50%). Results: A total of 11 cluster randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 5 before-after studies were included in this meta-analysis, involving 900,804 patients met full inclusion criteria. Among these studies, 11 reported positive effects, 1 reported negative results, and 4 reported non-significant findings. Overall, the pooled effect size revealed that CDSs significantly reduced antibiotic use for RTIs (RR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.85 to 0.95, I 2 = 96.10%). Subgroup analysis indicated that the intervention duration may serve as a potential source of heterogeneity. Studies with interventions duration more than 2 years were found to have non-significant effects (RR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.96 to 1.04, I 2 = 0.00%). Egger's test results indicated no evidence of potential publication bias (p = 0.287). Conclusion: This study suggests that CDSs effectively reduce inappropriate antibiotic use for RTIs among physicians. However, subgroup analysis revealed that interventions lasting more than 2 years did not yield significant effects. These findings highlight the importance of considering intervention duration when implementing CDSs. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023432584, Identifier: PROSPERO (CRD42023432584).

The impacts of knowledge and attitude on behavior of antibiotic use for the common cold among the public and identifying the critical behavioral stage: based on an expanding KAP model

BACKGROUND

This study aims to explore the impacts of knowledge and attitude on the behavior of antibiotic use during the treatment of the common cold based on the expanding KAP model, and then identify the critical behavioral stage.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 815 public from 21 community health centers (CHCs) in Chongqing, China. Based on the expanding KAP model, a self-administered questionnaire was designed to measure knowledge, attitude, multi-stage behavior, and perceived threat, in which multi-stage behavior was divided into pre-use antibiotic behavior, during-use antibiotic behavior, and post-use antibiotic behavior. A structural equation model was used to examine the model fit and the direct, indirect, mediating effects, and moderating effect of the variables.

RESULTS

The expanding KAP showed good model fit indices with χ²/df = 0.537, RMSEA = 0.033, CFI = 0.973, GFI = 0.971, NFI = 0.934, TLI = 0.979. Knowledge had a positive effect on attitude (β = 0.503, p < 0.05), pre-use antibiotic behavior (β = 0.348, p < 0.05), during-use antibiotic behavior (β = 0.461, p < 0.001), and post-use antibiotic behavior (β = 0.547, p < 0.001). Attitude had a positive effect on during-use antibiotic behavior (β = 0.296, p < 0.001), and post-use antibiotic behavior (β = 0.747, p < 0.001). The mediating effect of attitude was positive among knowledge, during-use antibiotic behavior (β = 0.149, p < 0.05), and post-use antibiotic behavior (β = 0.376, p < 0.001). Perceived threat also had a positive moderating effect between knowledge and post-use antibiotic behavior (β = 0.021, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge, attitude and perceived threat had different effects on different stages of antibiotic behavior. The critical behavioral stage prioritized the post-use antibiotic behavior and during-use antibiotic behavior over pre-use antibiotic behavior.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Antibiotic Use and Resistance: A Cross-Sectional Study among Students in Israel

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to human health, food security, and development. This study aimed to examine the level of knowledge and awareness regarding antibiotic resistance while comparing students from health sciences to students in other disciplines. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the "antibiotic resistance" questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization. A total of 371 students participated in the study. All respondents had taken antibiotics in the past. A tenth had taken them on their own without a prescription, and 14% had not received an explanation regarding the use of antibiotics. The average for the knowledge questions was 15.49 ± 5.35 (out of 27). Many students mistakenly associated antibiotics with viral diseases. Despite these misconceptions, there was a high level of awareness and understanding regarding the ways to treat antibiotic resistance. Still, the awareness of the severity of antibiotic resistance was not high. Differences were found between the disciplines in general knowledge and the level of awareness and understanding about the ways to treat antibiotic resistance, where health science students had the highest scores, followed by social science students and finally, computer and management students. No differences were found in the perception of the severity of the phenomenon. This information is essential to developing educational interventions to improve knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use among students, especially those unrelated to the health sciences.