Using debate to educate young people in schools about antibiotic use and resistance: A before and after evaluation using a questionnaire survey

Abstract

Introduction: The use of debating as an educational tool is increasing in popularity. Students who take part in debates can develop a range of skills such as confidence and communication as well as gaining a greater understanding of the topic discussed. Within this study we have evaluated an antibiotic-resistant debate kit, assessing the ability of the debate lesson to improve student knowledge and awareness around antibiotics. Methods: The debate lesson was delivered in seven schools across South West England to 235 students aged 13-16 years. Change in student knowledge was measured using before and after knowledge questionnaires. Student and teacher feedback and suggestions for improvements for the lesson were also collected through questionnaires and interviews. Results: Quantitative questionnaires found a significant improvement in knowledge for most areas covered in the debate, particularly around the use of antibiotics to treat colds and bacteria developing resistance. Teachers felt their students engaged well with the debate session and made suggestions for minor modifications that could improve the lesson. Conclusions: The results suggest that the e-Bug antibiotic resistant debate kit is able to improve knowledge in young people around antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, the lesson was enjoyed by students and therefore this resource should be promoted more widely to teachers and schools.

Understanding on antibiotics and antibiotic resistance among a group of internet users in Sri Lanka and development of a simple online educational tool

“…While there are some existing tools aimed at improving understanding on antibiotics, it is important to tailor-make educational tools to target gaps in knowledge and understanding of the target population. 20 We therefore developed a tool aimed at the key deficits identified by part 1 of the study. Among those who used the tool, 81 (79.4%) found it helpful while a lesser percentage thought the tool will help them to change their behavior towards antibiotic use.…”

Addressing gaps in AMR awareness in the public: an evidence-based policy brief to guide school curriculum review in Uganda

“…Incorporating extracurricular activities related to AMR into the standard school curriculum can be an effective strategy for early education and training on AMR (50). One study found that a debate lesson significantly improved students' knowledge on antibiotic use for treatment of colds and its effect on development of AMR (51). Furthermore, themes related to AMR could be included in competitive school activities, such as national competitions for music, drama, and science, thereby encouraging learners to creatively explore and raise awareness about the topic.…”

Educational Activities for Students and Citizens Supporting the One-Health Approach on Antimicrobial Resistance

“…The use of role-play in schools has proven to be an effective educational tool to teach antimicrobial resistances, especially when the topic relates to proper antibiotics’ prescription. The activity has been shown to develop different skills, including confidence and communication as well as gaining a greater understanding of the topic discussed [ 23 ]. More specifically, the activity uses the e-Bug antibiotic resistant debate kit, which is a structured practice debate on a controversial topic ( , accessed on 8 September 2021).…”

“…Each card represents perspectives and points of view according to the different professional and cultural backgrounds of the proposed characters (e.g., different professionals). The debate is structured in ‘different rounds’, helping the students to think through the issues and reconsider their opinions [ 23 ]. Prescriptions debates have been delivered in seven schools across South West England to 235 students aged 13–16 years and the results show a significant improvement in knowledge for most of the areas covered, particularly regarding when to use antibiotics and bacteria developing resistance [ 23 ].…”