Knowledge and practice of antibiotic use: results of the cross-sectional survey among adults

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the level of knowledge, practice, and attitude of the population towards the use of antibiotics in the treatment of infectious diseases, with subsequent scientific substantiation of measures aimed at increasing awareness of the principles of rational antibiotic therapy.Materials and methods: The cross-sectional survey of 744 Ukrainian adults was conducted between December 2024 and January2025. Data collection was conducted using an adapted World Health Organization questionnaire for the public, and the results were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical methods.Results. Only 3.4% of participants reported never taking antibiotics, whereas 42.8% indicated frequent or widespread usage.Inappropriate practices were widespread: 18% obtained antibiotics without a prescription or medical guidance, relying instead on pharmacists or self-diagnosis; 32.7% initiated therapy without prior diagnostic testing; and 19.7% received injectable antibiotics, with 60% of these administered by family physicians despite restrictions on such practices in primary care settings. Additionally, 26.1% did not incorporate probiotics during treatment. Merely 62.6% adhered to completing the prescribed course or following instructional guidelines. Although 84.3% were aware of the prescription-only antibiotic policy, only 52.8% adhered to it. The survey identified substantial knowledge gaps: approximately one-third of participants incorrectly believed antibiotics are effective against viral infections or considered them safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Conclusions. The findings highlight the ongoing problem of inappropriate antibiotic use in Ukraine. Targeted educational programs are essential to increase public understanding and encourage responsible antibiotic use.