A kiosk survey of perception, attitudes and knowledge (PAK) of Australians concerning microbes, antibiotics, probiotics and hygiene

Abstract

Public perception, attitudes and knowledge (PAK) of microbiology has been the subject of intense examination and concern in both scientific and public health circles. [1][2][3][4][5] Generally, scientists and public health experts seek to be involved in public education about microbes, recognising that public awareness of microbes is essential for human health and well-being. 1,4,6,7 A voluminous literature of studies of PAK with focus on antibiotics and antibiotic resistance exists. These studies include diverse approaches to understand public attitudes towards antibiotics in countries all across the globe. 8 With the recent spread of SARS-Cov2 and the ensuing Covid19 pandemic,

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Antibacterial and Their Resistance in Medellín-Colombia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Concerns exist about the impact that bacterial resistance could have on the health of individuals and their families, and many people believe that they should advise their close contacts not to take antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. Similar results were found in studies conducted in Europe, where 76.4% of respondents were concerned about the impact of resistance on their health and that of their families [25], and in Australia, where 35% of respondents felt that they should know more about antibiotics and resistance [26], and in the United States where over 90% believed that antibiotics should be used more responsibly [27]. The fact that the population demands more information on this topic represents an opportunity for local authorities to design interventions to improve antibiotic use.…”

Development of a risk score to increase detection of severe alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

“…Additionally, the prediction model is portable and may be paired with PFT software, medical documentation, electronic clinical reminders, a questionnaire linked to appointment reminders, when checking-in for an appointment, mobile applications, or an interactive web-based calculator. [35] The model also demonstrated novel findings. The presence of asthma and allergies alone reduced the estimated probability of severe AATD, which diverges from our current understanding.…”

“…In contrast, the prediction model allows for the inclusion of multiple factors to individualise risk of a severe genotype. Additionally, the prediction model is portable and may be paired with PFT software, medical documentation, electronic clinical reminders, a questionnaire linked to appointment reminders, when checking-in for an appointment, mobile applications or an interactive web-based calculator [ 35 ].…”