SHORT COMICS: THE FIGHT AGAINST ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

Abstract

Intro: Antibiotic resistance has become a major problem due to excessive and inadequate use of these drugs over the years. The awareness of the severity of this issue to society is necessary to promote health literacy. Furthermore, the awareness is essential to fight misinformation among the population and to ensure prevention. However, sometimes it is difficult to pass a simple, nonetheless accurate, message to the general public. This project is aimed at students, health professionals, and the public general to raise awareness at young ages and educate the general population about antibiotic resistance. Methods: It was developed a comic strip about antibiotic resistance entitled “Fighting Bacterial Resistance”. Comics for pedagogical purposes are a very common and effective means of dissemination, considering their transversality. This cartoon was intended to demonstrate that bacteria can acquire defense mechanisms against antibiotics, such as genetic modifications, thus becoming resistant. Consequently, resistance genes can be spread among bacteria. Moreover, it was shown some bacteria are multidrug-resistant which makes the treatment a challenge. Findings: The comic strip was presented to both health professionals and general public. Both targets were very pleased and showed enthusiasm reading it. Conclusion: A comic strip showed to be a effective way the reach different kinds of public since it creates a bonding with the public, no matter the level of education