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

Antimicrobial resistance occurs naturally but is enhanced by human activities related to the use of antibiotics (for example, excessive use and misuse of antimicrobial agents). Our study aimed to gain insight into the knowledge, attitudes and practice of the use of antibiotics among the general Bulgarian population. A cross-sectional survey was conducted during a 4-week period in April-May 2022. Our sample included 516 participants of whom 398 (77.1%) were females, mainly Bulgarians by ethnic group, with a university degree (master degree 58.9%; bachelor degree 17.2%) and living in big regional cities (91.5%). The main health reasons that respondents from all age groups share for taking antibiotics in the last year were bronchitis, sore throat, infections, including urinary tract infections, and pneumonia. Interestingly, about 14% of the respondents have treated the SARS-2-coronavirus infection with antibiotics. Our results highlighted existing attitudes toward antibiotic use in the surveyed sample. Overall, respondents from all age groups showed similarities in their attitudes toward treatment with antibiotics. People's behavior and actions toward antibiotics play an important role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Our study provided some important insights concerning the knowledge and practices related to antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance in the Bulgarian population. In general, good knowledge of antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance was evident among the surveyed sample.

Automated summary

This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of antibiotic use among the general population in Bulgaria. The results showed similarities in attitudes towards antibiotic treatment among respondents of different age groups, and about 14% of the respondents have used antibiotics to treat COVID-19.