Pan-European survey of patients' attitudes to antibiotics and antibiotic use

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine patient perceptions of respiratory tract infections and attitudes to taking antibiotics, thus helping doctors to have a better understanding of their patients and their requirements. Telephone interviews were conducted in the UK, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and Turkey using standardized questionnaires directed at patients who had taken an antibiotic or given one to their child for a respiratory tract infection within the previous 12 months. Approximately 200 working adults (< or = 55 years), 200 elderly adults (> 55 years) and 200 mothers of children (< 12 years) from each country were contacted; in total, 3610 subjects. Pressure on GPs to prescribe antibiotics was highlighted by over 50% of interviewees' believing that they should be prescribed for most respiratory tract infections. Although interviewees were positive about antibiotics, with over 75% judging them to be effective and to speed recovery, some ambivalence was shown. Most patients waited 2-3 days before consulting their doctor and over 80% of respondents expected symptoms to improve after 3 days' treatment. This provided a natural watershed for compliance, with most defaulters stopping after 3 days because they felt better. Second only to fewer side-effects, patients ranked shorter and more convenient dosage alongside efficacy as the improvements most sought in antibiotic therapy. In conclusion, patients regarded antibiotics as important in the treatment of respiratory tract infections, with interest shown in short-course, once-daily therapy. Doctors, however, need to reassure patients that short courses will eradicate infections and have minimal adverse effects on the immune system.