Public Health Literacy, Knowledge, and Awareness Regarding Antibiotic Use and Antimicrobial Resistance during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Multi-drug-resistant (MDR) organisms pose a global threat to modern medicine, which has grown as a result of irrational antibiotic use and misuse. This study aimed to assess general public knowledge in Jordan and awareness of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was carried out utilizing the WHO multicountry public awareness survey. The study population was composed mainly of social media users, and a total of 1213 participants completed the online survey. According to the findings, more than half of the participants were well versed in antibiotic use and resistance. Those with adequate health literacy were found to better understand antibiotics (OR = 1.37, p = 0.017) and antibiotic resistance (OR = 1.46, p = 0.003). The vast majority (88.5%) recognized at least one antibiotic resistance term; however, 53.2% believed that antibiotic resistance is a problem in other nations. The participants in this study reported using antibiotics incorrectly, believing that they were treating sore throats, colds, and flu. The participants were well aware of antibiotic resistance solutions and their consequences on health. Age, education, health literacy, and antibiotic knowledge were found to be substantially (p < 0.05) associated with greater awareness of antibiotic resistance. The findings highlight the need for antimicrobial resistance education campaigns, health literacy, and antibiotic stewardship initiatives.

Antibiotic Use and Resistance Knowledge: Awareness Among the General Public in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

“…Most of the respondents (72%) correctly believed that this was a false statement (i.e., they believed Abs resistance was a problem in Saudi Arabia). In contrast, in the Jordanian study where participants had either heard or not heard about Abs resistance, 53% believed that Abs resistance was a problem in other countries but not in Jordan [4]. Similarly, in Kuwait, nearly more than half of the participants disagreed that Abs resistance was a worldwide issue [18].…”

“…Moreover, the main source for Abs in our study was a pharmacy (82%), and only a few of the participants (8%) obtained Abs from family or friends. In Jordan, a country that has no such obligations regarding Abs use, a study that was recently conducted in 2021 found that although pharmacies represented the source of Abs for approximately half of the participants, approximately 24% obtained Abs from a family member or a friend [4]. Thus, national regulations regarding Abs use must be continued and effectively monitored in Saudi Arabia, a country that has religious seasons and great challenges of welcoming millions of people periodically [8].…”

“…Multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms have been a challenge worldwide since Abs appeared and occurred through malpractice associated with Abs use [3]. In addition, approximately 700,000 people die annually due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is defined as the survival of bacteria despite the presence of optimal concentration of the drug of antimicrobial agents [4]. Moreover, globally, Abs resistance increases the expenses of healthcare and requires a tremendous amount of work, factors that can affect the overall productivity of the healthcare system [5].…”

Digital Marketing: A Unique Multidisciplinary Approach towards the Elimination of Viral Hepatitis

“…The analysis of such geographical location specific data retrieved from web searches helps the health authorities implement appropriate and timely actions. Via social media networking, public health researchers or clinicians have access to a wide/global audience (Figure 1) [38,39]. This allows the rapid communication of health-related information and might contribute to the improvement of the society's health status.…”

“…Several strategies, such as different assessments or educational programs, have been implemented to increase knowledge concerning antibiotic use and infectious diseases [47]. Among a variety of tools, social networking platforms such as Facebook pages, Twitter and YouTube have been efficiently used change public perception (Figure 1) [39,50,51]. The dissemination of an educational program called "antimicrobial stewardship" (ASP) on Facebook and Twitter for students of medicine is a worthy example of the application of social media technologies [50,52].…”