Knowledge, Perceptions, and Behaviors Regarding Antibiotic Use in a Community-Based Adult Sample in Salerno: An Observational Survey in a Province in Southern Italy

TL;DR

This study explores how adults in Salerno, Italy, use antibiotics, revealing common misconceptions and risky behaviors that contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Contribution

The study provides insights into age-related differences in antibiotic knowledge and behaviors in a southern Italian community.

Findings

Most participants take antibiotics only when prescribed, but 10% self-medicate and 16% stop treatment early.

72% of participants lack complete knowledge about drug management, and 86% wrongly believe resistance affects only individuals.

Younger participants (under 30) show higher awareness compared to older adults (over 65).

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Antibiotic resistance represents one of the major global health emergencies, driven by the inappropriate use of antibiotics and persistent misconceptions among adults attending general medical clinics. This study, conducted on 325 participants recruited from general medical clinics in the province of Salerno, aimed to assess their knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors regarding antibiotic use. Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative observational survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire based on the WHO tool and adapted to the local context. Results: The results show that the majority of participants take antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor (90.2%), but risky practices such as self-medication (10%) and early discontinuation of therapy (16%) persist. In addition, 72% of subjects demonstrate incomplete knowledge about the independent management of drugs, and 86% mistakenly believe that resistance is limited to the individual rather than the community. The descriptive analysis stratified by age showed higher levels of awareness among subjects under 30 years of age, compared to significant knowledge gaps and inappropriate behaviors in the over-65 age group. Conclusions: Despite a good awareness of the need for medical prescriptions and the collective importance of the phenomenon, there are still critical areas of knowledge and incorrect practices that can promote the spread of antibiotic resistance. The data collected underscore the urgency of targeted educational strategies differentiated by age group, integrated with multi-channel communication interventions, in order to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics and contain the impact of one of the most serious global health emergencies.

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