Consumers' knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotic resistance

This study was conducted to investigate the association between socio-demographic factors and attitudes toward antibiotic resistance and consumer`s knowledge on antibiotic use for common cold. Telephone survey was conducted between June 24 and July 2, 2009, among 1,015 adults who were randomly stratified by age, sex and area. A total of 921 respondents were included in the analysis. Logistic regression was used to analyze the influence of socio-demographic factors on knowledge and attitudes. A total of 452 respondents(49.1%) recognised that they knew about antibiotic resistance and 769 respondents(83.5%) worried that antibiotic resistance is a serious problem in Korea. A total of 577 respondents(62.7%) had adequate knowledge on antibiotic use and resistance. Multiple logistic regression showed that younger age and higher education level were associated with adequate knowledge. The odds ratio of appropriate knowledge among persons with college degrees was 5.25(95% CI, 2.78-9.90) compared to those with elementary or less education. Sex and income variable were not predictors of adequate knowledge on antibiotic use and resistance. This study showed that consumers with less education had inadequate knowledge on antibiotic use for common cold. Even though consumers in their 40s and 50s thought they knew about antibiotic resistance, there is a need to improve their knowledge. Education campaigns for appropriate antibiotic use have to be differentiated among consumers with different socio-demographic characteristics.