Antibiotics Usage and Avoidance in Germany and Poland: Attitudes and Knowledge of Patients, Physicians, and Pharmacists.

Abstract

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global health threat, partly due to the overprescription of antibiotics. Understanding prescribers' behaviors and identifying knowledge gaps and misconceptions are essential for addressing antibiotic misuse and inappropriate use. Methods: Through online questionnaires, this study surveyed key stakeholders in outpatient antibiotic use in Germany (DE) and Poland (PL), including patients, physicians, and pharmacists. Results: Despite generally good knowledge about antibiotics, discrepancies exist between physicians' perceptions and patients' actual expectations regarding antibiotic prescriptions. Physicians often misjudge patients' attitudes toward antibiotics, with many patients having a neutral stance. This study found a strong physician interest in non-antibiotic treatments and patient willingness to engage with information about antibiotics. Conclusions: Improved communication between healthcare providers and patients was identified as a potential measure for enhancing antimicrobial stewardship, with education on effective alternative treatments, such as symptomatic therapies, as a likely strategy to reduce antibiotic reliance.