How Socioeconomic, Health Seeking Behaviours, and Educational Factors Are Affecting the Knowledge and Use of Antibiotics in Four Different Cities in Asia

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is occurring widely throughout the world and is affecting people of all ages. Socioeconomic factors, education, use of antibiotics, knowledge of antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance were assessed in four cities in Asia, namely Hong Kong, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Bangkok. A survey using cluster sampling was used in 2021 to collect data on 642 subjects. Hongkongers used less antibiotics and were knowledgeable about using antibiotics to treat diseases, while Shanghainese were knowledgeable about antibiotic resistance. The multi-linear regression model reported that respondents who lived in Hong Kong (β = 0.744 (95% CI: 0.36–1.128), Shanghai (β = 1.65 (95% CI: 1.267–2.032), and Hangzhou (β = 1.393 (95% CI: 0.011–1.775) (reference group: Bangkok), who had higher scores on antibiotics knowledge (β = 0.161 (95% CI: 0.112–0.21)), higher educational attainment (β = 0.46 (95% CI: 0.296–0.625)), and who were more likely to consult a doctor on using antibiotics (β = 1.102 (95% CI: 0.606–1.598)), were more likely to give correct answers about antibiotic resistance, p < 0.001. Older respondents were less likely to answer the items correctly (β = −0.194 (95% CI: −0.333–−0.055), p < 0.01. When educating the public on the proper use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance, multiple strategies could be considered for people from all walks of life, as well as target different age groups.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antimicrobial use and resistance among healthcare seekers in two tertiary hospitals in Ghana: a quasi-experimental study

“…14 15 From the theories of utility and demand, we assumed that an ill person makes choices that maximise utility for a given information and preference structure, considering income, price and health effects. 16 17 Behavioural economics principles [18][19][20] suggest utility expectations may explain decisions on antibiotic use. Notably, among other factors, the health benefits from previous use of the same antibiotic may influence the non-prescribed use of antibiotics.…”

“…From the theories of utility and demand, we assumed that an ill person makes choices that maximise utility for a given information and preference structure, considering income, price and health effects 16 17. Behavioural economics principles18–20 suggest utility expectations may explain decisions on antibiotic use.…”

Antibiotic Knowledge, Antibiotic Resistance Knowledge, and Antibiotic Use: A Cross-Sectional Study among Community Members of Bangkok in Thailand

“…This study was a secondary analysis of data obtained by a cross-sectional descriptive study entitled “how socioeconomic, health-seeking behaviors and educational factors are affecting the knowledge and use of antibiotics in four different cities in Asia” [ 38 ]. The primary aim was to investigate factors of antibiotic resistance knowledge.…”

“…The primary aim was to investigate factors of antibiotic resistance knowledge. A more detailed description has been presented in the previous report [ 38 ]. For this study, we examined if sociodemographic characteristics predicted better or less antibiotic knowledge, antibiotic resistance knowledge, and antibiotic usage among Bangkok residents.…”