Researchers conducted an online survey with 972 adults in the United States. The study looked at three different ways to talk about antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These methods included a written description of the crisis, a written comparison between AMR and COVID-19, and a series of graphics comparing the two issues.
The results showed that none of these communication styles significantly changed how many people intended to seek out antibiotics or visit a primary care doctor. Specifically, the study found no significant difference in the desire to take antibiotics across the three groups. This suggests that using COVID-19 as a comparison point might not be an effective way to change public behavior regarding antibiotic use.
Several personal factors did influence intentions. People who were older or had specific political affiliations were less likely to seek unnecessary antibiotics. Other factors, such as previous antibiotic use and being vaccinated for COVID-19, were linked to higher intentions to seek them. Because this study measured what people intended to do rather than their actual actions in a clinic, the results should be viewed as an early look at communication strategies.
