Tackling AMR from a multidisciplinary perspective: a primer from education and psychology

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is currently one of the most concerning threats in public health. The efforts to tackle the problem require a global One Health approach, using multidisciplinary approaches and a thorough understanding of the topic both by the general public and the experts. Currently, the lack of a shared mental model of the problem, the absence of a sense of responsibility amongst the different actors and a deficient education on the topic burden the efforts to slow down the emergency and spread of antimicrobial resistant infections. We here propose a multidisciplinary approach to tackle the AMR problem, taking into consideration not only the input from the biological and medical sciences but also the input from the social sciences. Specifically, we suggest strategies from education and psychology to increase awareness about antimicrobial resistance and to implement more effective interventions. Finally, we advocate for a comprehensive and a solidaristic model as the only solution for a problem which knows no borders. As such, political will and international cooperation will be key to achieve the desired change in antibiotic resistance trend.

Psychological and Cultural Factors Influencing Antibiotic Prescription

“…Several researchers have proposed to include other areas of knowledge in these teams, including sociology, anthropology, economics, political sciences, and psychology [32][33][34][35][36][37][38]. In particular, behavioral sciences can help dealing with the antibiotic-resistance crisis with quantitative and qualitative methods [39].…”

“…In sum, considering the multiinfluence of psychological, social, educational, economic, and cultural factors on antibiotic use, we propose multidisciplinary, local, and family-based interventions to prevent antibiotic misuse. Calvo-Villamañán et al advocate a global and systemic response rather than decisions made by country [38]. Rather than specific problems of the countries as a whole, the causes seem to be: i) the lack of literacy on antibiotics use, ii) the presence of false conceptions about the ill effects of the antibiotics, and iii) the anxiety and overwhelming feelings facing illness (generated, for example, by attachment disorders).…”

Regional variations in antimicrobial susceptibility of community-acquired uropathogenic Escherichia coli in India: Findings of a multicentric study highlighting the importance of local antibiograms

“…Escherichia coli remains the predominant pathogen worldwide in community- and hospital-acquired settings [ 3 ]. Increasing resistance complicates treatment, making outcomes uncertain, even in simple cystitis [ 4 ].…”

“…Minimizing resistance needs multi-disciplinary stewardship approaches [ 4 ]. These include evidence-based prescribing, which requires knowledge of local community and hospital antibiotic resistance rates.…”

Assessing Changes in Bacterial Load and Antibiotic Resistance in the Legon Sewage Treatment Plant between 2018 and 2023 in Accra, Ghana

“…Globally, increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a public health threat to humans, animals, and the environment. The environmental aspect of AMR, until recently, had been given less attention [ 1 , 2 ], but the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a One Health approach for addressing increasing AMR [ 3 ]. This is a multidisciplinary approach that requires the combined efforts of stakeholders in human, animal, and environmental health [ 1 ].…”