Physicians' opinions towards antibiotic use and resistance in the southeastern region of Hungary

Abstract

Introduction: Without antibiotics, today's modern medicine would be unimaginable, but the emergence of antimicrobial resistance threatens their effectiveness. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of general practitioners towards antibiotic use and resistance, prevention and their opinion on their personal liability related to these areas. Method: An exploratory, quantitative study was carried out among physicians (n = 105) working in the southeastern region of Hungary. Results: Among the respondents, the ones who do not comprehend the severity of the issue of antibiotic resistance and their role in the prudent use of these drugs, are much fewer. The majority of the answerers attribute an important role to prevention in the fight against infectious disease. Negative practical attitude was found to be significantly correlated to gappy knowledge and improper theoretical attitude. Conclusions: A heterogeneous dispersion in the general practitioners' attitudes was found. Continuous professional development (CPD) of general practitioners in the topic of antibiotic resistance could be of great importance.