RT Journal Article
T1 Factors determining antibiotic use in the general population: A qualitative study in Spain
A1 Vázquez-Cancela, Olalla
A1 Souto López, Laura
A1 Vázquez Lago, Juan M.
A1 López, Ana
A1 López Durán, Ana
A1 Figueiras Guzmán, Adolfo
AB BackgroundAntibiotic resistance is an important Public Health problem and many studies link it to antibiotic misuse. The population plays a key role in such misuse.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was thus to explore the factors that might influence antibiotic use and resistance in the general population.MethodsQualitative research using the focus group (FG) method. Groups were formed by reference to the following criteria: age (over and under 65 years); place of origin; and educational/professional qualifications. FG sessions were recorded, transcribed and then separately analysed by two researchers working independently. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants.ResultsEleven FGs were formed with a total of 75 participants. The principal factors identified as possible determinants of antibiotic misuse were: (i) lack of knowledge about antibiotics; (ii) doctor-patient relationship problems; (iii) problems of adherence; and, (iv) use without medical prescription. Antibiotic resistance is a phenomenon unknown to the population and is perceived as an individual problem, with the term “resistance” being confused with “tolerance”. None of the groups reported that information about resistance had been disseminated by the health care sector.ConclusionsThe public is unaware of the important role it plays in the advance of antimicrobial resistance. There is evidence of diverse factors, many of them modifiable, which might account for antibiotic misuse. Better understanding these factors could be useful in drawing up specific strategies aimed at improving antibiotic use.
PB Public Library of Science
SN 1932-6203
YR 2021
FD 2021-02-04
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10347/42803
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10347/42803
LA eng
NO Vazquez-Cancela O, Souto-Lopez L, Vazquez-Lago JM, Lopez A, Figueiras A (2021) Factors determining antibiotic use in the general population: A qualitative study in Spain. PLoS ONE 2021;16(2): e0246506
NO This work was supported in part by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI081239, PI09/ 90609) Spanish State Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation 2012-2016, The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
DS Minerva
RD 24 abr 2026