As part of the Swiss Antibiotic Resistance Strategy (StAR), the FOPH conducted a representative survey on the topics of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. The results show the level of knowledge and gaps in knowledge.
(red) The successful use of antibiotics against bacterial infections is considered one of the great achievements of medicine. However, every time antibiotics are used, resistant bacteria can emerge. Such resistant bacteria can make the treatment of infections more difficult or even possible. It is therefore crucial that antibiotics are used as appropriately as possible. To this end, the Federal Council adopted the Swiss National Strategy on Antibiotic Resistance (StAR) in 2015. The “One Health Action Plan StAR 2024–2027” launched this year strengthens measures that have already been implemented, specifies goals and sets new priorities for the coming years. As part of StAR, the FOPH has been conducting periodic representative surveys of the Swiss population on knowledge, attitudes and use of antibiotics since 2016. In summer 2024, the fifth survey was carried out with 3485 people.
Antibiotic intake remains stable
It was found that 22% of the Swiss population had taken antibiotics in the past twelve months. This means that the intake of antibiotics has remained relatively constant since the surveys began. In around 94% of cases, antibiotics were taken as prescribed by a doctor. Urinary tract infections and surgical interventions were most frequently cited as the reason for taking antibiotics. However, antibiotics are also taken for illnesses caused by viruses (e.g. influenza), although they do not help with viral infections. However, this happens comparatively rarely. In most cases, leftover antibiotics are correctly returned to a pharmacy or doctor’s surgery and not stored, shared or used later.
Knowledge put to the test
The majority of the Swiss population is aware of the problems surrounding antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Around 81% know that taking antibiotics unnecessarily can reduce their effectiveness. In addition, the majority know that antibiotics should be taken as prescribed and that any leftovers should be returned to the dispensary.
However, it also became clear that there are still gaps in knowledge. For example, only 55% of respondents knew that antibiotics do not destroy viruses. In addition, around 80% wrongly assume that people can become resistant to antibiotics. However, it is the bacteria that can develop resistance.
Source: Population survey 2024 on antibiotic resistance. Available at: www.bag.admin.ch/bag/de/home/das-bag/aktuell/news/news-11-11-2024.html (last accessed on 16.11.2024).
InFo NEUROLOGIE & PSYCHIATRIE 2024; 22(6): 40 (published on 5.12.24, ahead of print)
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