Fighting antibiotic resistance: a narrative review of public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of antibiotics use

Introduction: The increasing threat of antibiotic resistance (ABR) is, inevitably, the consequence of antibiotic use and is largely influenced by the knowledge and perceptions of people and their socioeconomic environment. Aims: The aims of this study were to ascertain the comprehensive knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of people from varying socioeconomic regions towards antibiotic use; identify the misperceptions and malpractices; and inform health policy and practice. Method: EBSCO host databases, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched to obtain relevant primary research papers within the years 2010-2018. Search phrases included the following: 'antibiotics use', 'community perceptions', 'public opinion, knowledge, behaviour, practices, perceptions'. Initially, selected papers were screened using the Preview, Question, Read, Summarize (PQRS) model. Results: Review of the 20 articles selected was based on six identified themes. It was found that insufficient knowledge and awareness of antibiotics use; self-medication and the use of leftover antibiotics; treating viral diseases with antibiotics or used as painkillers; expecting antibiotic prescription as a culmination of consultation; and the credibility of information obtained are issues that cut across different countries. Conclusion: Evidence from this review suggests that misconceptions of antibiotic use are similar in different countries. Therefore, the need for the development and implementation of transferable policies as well as educating the public is necessary for the fight against ABR.