A survey of knowledge, attitudes and use of antibiotics among Bulgarian population

Zaykova, Krassimira; Nikolova, Silviya; Pancheva, Rouzha; Serbezova, Asena

doi:10.1080/13102818.2022.2145237

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…The study also revealed that Jordanians perceived pharmacists as strong influencers in their decision, with 80.3% of the surveyed population having used antibiotics in the last year following pharmacists' advice [27]. Interestingly, about 14% of the respondents in a survey of 516 participants from Bulgaria believed that they could treat SARS-CoV-2 infection with antibiotics [28].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Antibiotics Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours among the Population Living in Cyprus

et al. 2023

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This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards antibiotics among the general public living in the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by using an online questionnaire. Differences were examined using independent samples t-tests, chi-square tests, Mann–Whitney U tests and Spearman’s rho. In total, 519 individuals completed the survey (RoC = 267, TRNC = 252), with an average age of 32.7, and 52.2% were female. Most citizens correctly identified paracetamol (TRNC = 93.7%, RoC = 53.9%) and ibuprofen (TRNC = 70.2%, RoC = 47.6%) as non-antibiotic medications. A substantial proportion thought antibiotics could treat viral infections, such as a cold (TRNC = 16.3%, RoC = 40.8%) or the flu (TRNC = 21.4%, RoC = 50.4%). Most participants understood that bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics (TRNC = 71.4%, RoC = 64.4%), that unnecessary use can lead to drug ineffectiveness (TRNC = 86.1%, RoC = 72.3%) and that they should always complete the course of antibiotics (TRNC = 85.7%, RoC = 64.0%). Positive attitudes towards antibiotics correlated negatively with knowledge in both samples, indicating that the more people know, the less positive their attitudes towards their use. The RoC appears to have tighter controls of over-the-counter (OTC) sales of antibiotics than TRNC. This study reveals that different communities can have varying levels of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about antibiotic use. Tighter enforcement of the OTC regulations, educational efforts and media campaigns are needed for enhancing prudent antibiotic use on the island.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Antibiotics Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours among the Population Living in Cyprus

et al. 2023

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“…In Bulgaria, the inappropriate use of antibiotics for viral infections is a signifi cant concern [13,26]. However, our study shows that the use of antibiotics before hospital admission does not appear to prevent clinical deterioration that can lead to PICU admission or the development of MIS-C.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 62%

SARS-COV-2 Infection in Children and Young People in Bulgaria – A Prospective, Single-Center, Cohort Study

Velikov

Kapincheva

Trifonova

et al. 2023

Acta Medica Bulgarica

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Compared to other respiratory viruses, the proportion of hospitalizations due to SARS-CoV-2 among children is relatively low. While severe illness is not common among children and young individuals, a particular type of severe condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has been reported. The aim of this prospective cohort study, which followed a group of individuals under the age of 19, was to examine the characteristics of patients who had contracted SARS-CoV-2, including their coexisting medical conditions, clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, and outcomes. The study also aimed to investigate the features of children who met the WHO case definition of MIS-C, as well as those who required intensive care. A total of 270 patients were included between March 2020 and December 2021. The eligible criteria were individuals between 0-18 with a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection at the Infectious Disease Hospital “Prof. Ivan Kirov” in Sofia, Bulgaria. Nearly 76% of the patients were ≤ 12 years old. In our study, at least one comorbidity was reported in 28.1% of the cases, with obesity being the most common one (8.9%). Less than 5% of children were transferred to an intensive care unit. We observed a statistically significant difference in the age groups, with children between 5 and 12 years old having a higher likelihood of requiring intensive care compared to other age groups. The median values of PaO2 and SatO2 were higher among patients admitted to the standard ward, while the values of granulocytes and C-reactive protein were higher among those transferred to the intensive care unit. Additionally, we identified 26 children who met the WHO case definition for MIS-C. Our study data supports the evidence of milder COVID-19 in children and young individuals as compared to adults. Older age groups were associated with higher incidence of both MIS-C and ICU admissions.

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“…The percentage of K. pneumoniae cases that were combined resistant to third generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides, in 2021, was 59.9% and 21.2% for Bulgaria and EU/EEA, respectively [ 26 ]. One of the main reasons for AMR is antibiotic consumption and Bulgaria is one of the European countries with a very high total consumption of antibiotics (24.4 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day for 2021) [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. K. pneumoniae is also among the most common Gram-negative bacteria isolated to the NICU and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality [ 30 , 31 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Off-Label Use of Ceftazidime/Avibactam for the Treatment of Pan-Drug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Neonate: Case Report and Literature Review

et al. 2023

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Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is among the most common Gram-negative bacteria isolated to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The ceftazidime/avibactam (CAZ-AVI) combination is approved for infections caused by aerobic Gram-negative organisms. It is licensed for use in infants over 3 months old. There are no safety and efficacy data regarding the administration of CAZ-AVI to infants younger than 3 months, except for a few case reports. Case presentation: This report describes a severely intoxicated 24-day-old, full-term, male neonate transferred to NICU level III from a secondary maternity hospital due to the deterioration of his general condition. On day four of admission, blood culture revealed the pan-drug-resistant (PDR) K. pneumoniae ss. pneumoniae, susceptible only to CAZ-AVI, which thus represented the only treatment option. Off-label CAZ-AVI was administered intravenously as a salvage therapy. Conclusions: In healthcare settings, treating resistant K. pneumoniae presents serious challenges, especially in NICU patients. The off-label treatment with CAZ-AVI for 17 days was safe and effective in this one-month-old patient. A year later, the patient was healthy with normal cognitive development.

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A survey of knowledge, attitudes and use of antibiotics among Bulgarian population

Cited by 4 publications

References 33 publications

Antibiotics Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours among the Population Living in Cyprus

Antibiotics Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours among the Population Living in Cyprus

SARS-COV-2 Infection in Children and Young People in Bulgaria – A Prospective, Single-Center, Cohort Study

Off-Label Use of Ceftazidime/Avibactam for the Treatment of Pan-Drug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Neonate: Case Report and Literature Review

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