Media use and antimicrobial resistance misinformation and misuse: Survey evidence of information channels and fatalism in augmenting a global health threat

Abstract

Recent research has identified that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is giving rise to a global public health threat that involves all major microbial pathogens and antimicrobial drugs, and additional studies have found that despite its gravity, this threat is not reflected in public opinion of AMR. This study thus proceeds to examine which individuals among the general public are more likely to be misinformed about AMR and report misusing AMR-related products. Specifically, traditional media (newspaper, radio, television) consumption and social media use are modeled as factors which may not only reinforce but perpetuate AMR misinformation and misuse. Based on these findings, this study outlines a multidimensional framework of recommended practices for science communicators working in the contemporary media environment to minimize AMR misinformation and misuse.

Keywords

• antimicrobial resistance
• traditional media
• social media
• science communication
• antibiotics
• fatalism