Antibiotic Resistance and Its Impact

Antibiotic Resistance

• Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop mechanisms to evade the effects of antibiotics
• Overuse and misuse of antibiotics contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance
• Antibiotic resistance leads to:
  • Ineffective treatment of infections
  • Increased risk of complications and death
  • Higher healthcare costs

Inappropriate Use

• Self-medication with antibiotics is a common practice in many countries
• Inappropriate use of antibiotics includes:
  • Taking antibiotics without a prescription
  • Taking antibiotics for viral infections (e.g. cold, flu)
  • Taking antibiotics for non-bacterial infections (e.g. fungal, parasitic)
• Inappropriate use contributes to antibiotic resistance and side effects

Side Effects

• Antibiotics can cause a range of side effects, including:
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g. diarrhea, nausea)
  • Allergic reactions
  • Yeast infections
  • Increased risk of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection
• Side effects can be severe and even life-threatening

Responsible Use Guidelines

• Take antibiotics only when prescribed by a healthcare professional
• Follow the prescribed dosage and duration of treatment
• Do not share or use leftover antibiotics
• Do not take antibiotics for viral infections
• Inform your healthcare professional about any allergies or previous reactions to antibiotics

Knowledge and Behavior

• Studies have shown that people who self-medicate with antibiotics often have:
  • Limited knowledge about antibiotics and their use
  • Misconceptions about the effectiveness of antibiotics for viral infections
  • Poor attitudes towards antibiotic use (e.g. believing that antibiotics are harmless)
• Educational interventions can improve knowledge and behavior regarding antibiotic use
• Public awareness campaigns can also play a crucial role in promoting responsible antibiotic use

Antibiotic Resistance

• Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop mechanisms to evade antibiotic effects, leading to ineffective treatment of infections, increased risk of complications and death, and higher healthcare costs.
• Overuse and misuse of antibiotics contribute to antibiotic resistance development.

Inappropriate Antibiotic Use

• Self-medication with antibiotics is a common practice in many countries, leading to inappropriate use, which contributes to antibiotic resistance.
• Inappropriate use includes taking antibiotics without a prescription, for viral infections (e.g., cold, flu), or for non-bacterial infections (e.g., fungal, parasitic).

Antibiotic Side Effects

• Antibiotics can cause gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g., diarrhea, nausea), allergic reactions, yeast infections, and increased risk of Clostridioides difficile (C.diff) infection.
• Side effects can be severe and even life-threatening.

Responsible Antibiotic Use

• Take antibiotics only when prescribed by a healthcare professional to minimize antibiotic resistance and side effects.
• Follow prescribed dosage and duration of treatment to ensure effective treatment and minimize side effects.
• Do not share or use leftover antibiotics to prevent misuse.
• Do not take antibiotics for viral infections, as they are ineffective against viruses.
• Inform your healthcare professional about any allergies or previous reactions to antibiotics.

Knowledge and Behavior

• Studies show that people who self-medicate with antibiotics often have limited knowledge about antibiotics and their use, misconceptions about effectiveness for viral infections, and poor attitudes towards antibiotic use.
• Educational interventions can improve knowledge and behavior regarding antibiotic use, reducing antibiotic resistance and side effects.
• Public awareness campaigns can promote responsible antibiotic use and reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance.