Perceptions and attitudes regarding antibiotic resistance in Germany: a cross-sectoral survey amongst physicians, veterinarians, farmers and the general public

Abstract Background Drivers of antibiotic (AB) resistance (ABR) include outpatient treatment, hospital care and animal husbandry. During the first phase of the One Health project RAI (Responsible Antibiotic Use via Information and Communication) surveys were conducted in these sectors. Objectives To compare perceptions and attitudes towards ABR among general practitioners (GPs), hospital physicians, veterinarians, pig farmers and the general public. Methods Cross-sectional questions on AB use and ABR were integrated in group-specific surveys of GPs, hospital physicians, veterinarians, pig farmers and the German general population. Results A total of 1789 participants (340 GPs, 170 hospital physicians, 215 pig farmers, 60 veterinarians and 1004 members of the public) responded. Each group tended to identify drivers of ABR as being from outside its own area of activity. Guidelines were shown to be an important information source for AB therapy for all prescriber groups, but the frequency of routine use differed (39% of GPs, 65% of hospital physicians and 53% of veterinarians). Regarding further information sources, hospital physicians preferred smartphone apps and e-learning, GPs preferred non-sponsored training and veterinarians preferred multidisciplinary networks and e-learning. Farmers were predominantly satisfied with existing solutions. Farmers had three times better basic knowledge of ABR and knew twice as many people with MDR organism problems than the general public. They also received information on ABR more often from their veterinarians than patients did from their doctors. Conclusions This study reveals considerable differences in perceptions and attitudes to ABR among the groups investigated. The results can help to tailor future interventions. Furthermore, they promote mutual understanding and thus support the One Health approach.