title: Using interactive family science shows to improve public knowledge on antibiotic resistance: does it work?
abstract: The public plays an important role in controlling the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. A large British survey showed that there is still public misunderstanding about microbes and antibiotics. e-Bug, a European DG Sanco sponsored project, aims to disseminate a school antibiotic and hygiene educational pack and website across Europe. Interactive science shows based on the e-Bug educational packs were developed to take the key health and hygiene messages from the e-Bug school resources to families. The science show was evaluated to assess public knowledge and understanding of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance pre and post intervention. An interactive stall comprised of a 3×2 m backing stand with background information, an interactive activity and discussions with a trained demonstrator was on display at a family holiday resort. Pre-piloted knowledge questionnaires were completed by parents and children pre and post intervention. Adult (≥19 years) baseline knowledge regarding antibiotics and antibiotic resistance was high although significant knowledge improvement was observed where baseline knowledge was low. Children's (5-11 years) knowledge around antibiotics and antibiotic resistance was significantly improved for all questions. The science show can be viewed as a success in improving parents' and children's knowledge of antibiotic use thereby highlighting the importance of educating the public through interaction.
authors.affiliation: Public Health England Primary Care Unit, Microbiology Department, Gloucester Royal Hospital, Gloucester, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Donna M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Lecky
authors.affiliation: Public Health England Primary Care Unit, Microbiology Department, Gloucester Royal Hospital, Gloucester, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Meredith K D
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Hawking
authors.affiliation: Statistics, Modelling and Economics Department, Public Health England Centre for Infections, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Neville Q
authors.initials: NQ
authors.lastname: Verlander
authors.affiliation: Public Health England Primary Care Unit, Microbiology Department, Gloucester Royal Hospital, Gloucester, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Cliodna A M
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: McNulty
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010290:Parents; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires