Psychological and cultural factors influencing antibiotic prescription

Humans have inundated the environment worldwide with antimicrobials for about one century, giving selective advantage to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, antibiotic resistance has become a public health problem responsible for increased mortality and extended hospital stays because the efficacy of anti-biotics has diminished. Hospitals and other clinical settings have implemented stewardship measures to reduce antibiotic administration and prescription. However, these measures demand multifactorial approaches, including multidis-ciplinary teams in clinical settings and the education of professionals and patients. Recent studies indicate that individual factors, such as mother-infant attachment and parenting styles, play a critical role in antibiotic use. Also, macrocontextual factors, such as economic, social, or cultural backgrounds, may impact antibiotic use rates. Therefore, research aiming to ameliorate stew-ardship measures must include psychologically and sociologically based research.

Automated summary

Humans have flooded the environment with antimicrobials, leading to antibiotic resistance and causing serious public health issues. Hospitals and clinical settings have implemented stewardship measures to reduce antibiotic use, but these measures require multidisciplinary approaches and consideration of individual and macrocontextual factors. Research must include psychologically and sociologically based studies to improve stewardship measures.