Patient knowledge and perception of upper respiratory infections, antibiotic indications and resistance.
OBJECTIVE
The misuse of antibiotics is not a harmless practice; rather, it can render future antibiotic treatments ineffective. This study looked to determine patient knowledge and perception of upper respiratory infections and indicated treatment.


METHODS
The authors developed and administered a questionnaire to 98 patients visiting affiliated family medicine clinical sites. Participants were selected randomly, either while sitting in the waiting room, or after being seen by the clinician.


RESULTS
While more than half the respondents recognized that treatment for colds did not require antibiotics, 70% erroneously indicated that viruses require antibiotic treatment. Additionally, almost 90% of respondents thought that yellow nasal discharge or coughing up yellow mucous requires antibiotic treatment. It was interesting to note that 95% of patients reported satisfaction when advised by their physician that antibiotic treatment wasn't necessary, even if they initially thought they needed antibiotics.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary care providers have the greatest opportunity to curb inappropriate antibiotic use by both prescribing appropriately and educating their patients about proper antibiotic use when indicated.
Filipetto
Frank A
FA
University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA.
Modi
Danesh S
DS
Weiss
Lucia Beck
LB
Ciervo
Carman A
CA