Survey Shows Heightened Public Concern for Antibiotic Resistance

The results of a new survey indicate that most Americans are concerned about the potential for antibiotic resistance to make infections more difficult to treat.

Commissioned by Research!America in collaboration with the Infectious Disease Society of America, the survey was conducted in October 2018 and included responses from more than 1,000 U.S. adults. More than four out of five respondents expressed their concern about antibiotic resistance.

Other key findings from the survey include the following:

• Nearly two-thirds of respondents said antibiotic resistance is a public health problem.
• Nearly three-quarters believe the federal government should incentivize private sector investment in new antibiotic development.
• More than 80% believe pharmaceutical companies should develop more antibiotics.  
• More than 90% believe doctors and other healthcare professionals should only prescribe antibiotics when required.
• About three out of every five respondents indicated they were aware that bacteria resistant to antibiotics can be spread from person to person. 
• More than three-quarters indicated they were aware that antibiotic-resistant infections make medical procedures much more dangerous.

In addition, more than one-third incorrectly believe antibiotics are effective for treating viral infections, about one-third said they would be dissatisfied if their doctor did not prescribe an antibiotic for their child's viral infection and only about 60% of respondents understand that even a single course of inappropriate antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance. These figures indicate more education is required about appropriate antibiotic usage.

Access the survey results by clicking here.