Evaluation of the Impact of the Tiny Earth Project on the Knowledge About Antibiotics of Pre-university Students in the Province of Valencia on Three Different School Years (2017–2020)

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), antibacterial resistance is a serious problem worldwide. In Spain, knowledge about the use of antibiotics is scarce, being the third country with the highest consumption of antibiotics in the world and the first in Europe. This problem is due, partly, to the abusive use of these drugs in human medicine, livestock, and agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact that the Tiny Earth project has had on the antibiotic knowledge in pre-university students. To do this, a survey was conducted before and after the Tiny Earth project in three different school years (2017-2020) to 322 pre-university students belonging to seven schools in the province of Valencia. The survey consisted of 12 multiple-choice questions with a single valid answer. We observed 67.6% success at the beginning and 81.2% at the end. These data indicate that they correctly answered an average of 1.64 more questions after completing the project. In view of the results, we can affirm that the Tiny Earth project has contributed to an improvement in scientific knowledge and awareness of the correct use of antibiotics and the emergence of resistances by pre-university students, which could also be transmitted to their social environment, thus improving awareness global on these issues.

Evaluation of knowledge about antibiotics and engagement with a research experience on antimicrobial resistance between pre-university and university students for five school years (2017–2021)

“…In Spain, the National Antibiotic Resistance Plan (PRAN) has structured various strategies to curb the problem of AMR, such as surveillance, control, and prevention of its appearance, as well as training and communication to the entire population about the problem and measures to be taken to avoid reaching a post-antibiotic era, where antibiotics are not able to treat infections ( National Antibiotic Resistance Plan, 2021 ). These measures, strategies, and actions have been reflected in the results obtained year after year by the SWICEU team in this project, thanks to the pedagogical methodology of service-learning ( Bueso-Bordils et al, 2020 ). This analysis demonstrates the urgent need for new and interesting educational and awareness-raising programs that integrate methods to optimize prevention and response to infectious diseases ( McDonnell Norms Group, 2008 ; Hall et al, 2020 ; U.S.…”

A framework for leveraging network course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) faculty to develop, validate, and administer an assessment instrument

“…Network CUREs have been documented for providing a centralized support system to bring together diverse intellectual capital across institutional types to drive scientific and curriculum structure [e.g., references ( 21 , 22 , 45 , 46 , 50 , 52 , 68 – 73 )]. Among network CUREs, there are examples of specific institutional faculty members developing “in house” objective learning gain assessments for use within their own or a few institutions ( 37 , 38 , 51 , 74 ). Some network CUREs have also used published instruments for objective measurement of critical thinking ( 38 ) and psychological outcomes associated with persistence ( 40 ).…”

Innovative gamification and outreach tools to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance

“…The impact of the project relies on the formative effects of a participatory teaching experience, integrated in an international project, with an important social projection ( Bueso-Bordils et al, 2020 ). From the academic point of view, university students have learned the importance of working in a multidisciplinary team and the contribution and global transcendence that this can imply, being able to improve the world around them.…”

“…An example of education and awareness of this problem is the MicroMundo project, which is also focused on attracting young students to enter STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers ( Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance, 2021 ). Sponsored by the Spanish Society of Microbiology (SEM), more than 30 universities in Spain and Portugal are currently involved, including CEU Cardenal Herrera University under the name SWICEU ( Bueso-Bordils et al, 2020 ).…”