Health literacy gaps fuel unrealistic antibiotic expectations in primary care patients

News-Medical.Net September 29, 2024
Dr. Sushama R. Chaphalkar, PhD.

Patients expecting antibiotics for common symptoms risk contributing to antibiotic overuse, making education on the dangers of misuse and resistance critical for both clinicians and the public.

In a recent study published in The Annals of Family Medicine, researchers investigate the predictors and prevalence of antibiotic expectations of patients with common symptoms and illnesses.

Over 93% of patients expected antibiotics for one or more common symptoms, with higher expectations observed in patients in public clinics. Lower education, insufficient health literacy, and lack of knowledge about antibiotic risks are related to increased antibiotic expectations.

The inappropriate use of antibiotics

Patients are frequently prescribed antibiotics for common viral symptoms and ailments like respiratory infections, colds/flu, and diarrhea despite clinical guidelines advising against...

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