Experiences of antibiotic use among Brazilian healthcare users: An exploratory study
Abstract Introduction This article analyzes experiences of antibiotic use and bacterial infections among Primary Health Care users of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and the possible implications for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim is to map aspects that shape users' lay knowl...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2023-02-01
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| Series: | Health Expectations |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13664 |
| _version_ | 1797946558192287744 |
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| author | Luiz F. Zago Juliana S. Correa Roberto R. daSilva‐Brandão Lislaine A. Fracolli Maria Clara Padoveze Sandi Michele deOliveira Gloria C. Corboda Currea |
| author_facet | Luiz F. Zago Juliana S. Correa Roberto R. daSilva‐Brandão Lislaine A. Fracolli Maria Clara Padoveze Sandi Michele deOliveira Gloria C. Corboda Currea |
| author_sort | Luiz F. Zago |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Introduction This article analyzes experiences of antibiotic use and bacterial infections among Primary Health Care users of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and the possible implications for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim is to map aspects that shape users' lay knowledge regarding antibiotics use and AMR. Methods This is an exploratory study, which consists primarily of individual in‐depth interviews with 19 respondents. Recurrent interview topics were coded and analysed according to thematic content analysis. Results Our findings show users' lived experiences constitute three dimensions related to users' previous antibiotic use: (1) lay knowledge about medicines; (2) previous bacterial infections and (3) communication during the consultation. Lay knowledge encompasses the users' understanding of how antibiotics work in comparison to other drugs and experimentations they make with medication. Users' narratives about bacterial infections are divided into situations of urinary tract infections and antibiotic treatments for other conditions. Communication during the consultation is mainly characterized by a lack of shared knowledge and trust in the doctor–patient relationship. Discussion Users bring together knowledge learned from their own experiences to create the rationale, which shapes how they understand antibiotic use, bacterial infections and medical advice. These experiences are interwoven with information received from healthcare professionals (HPs) on these topics, creating a scenario that goes beyond professional information about antibiotic use. Users have knowledge about medication, antibiotics use and bacterial infection but do not have room to share it with HP, allowing lived experiences to take precedence over professional information. Conclusion Users ascribe symbolic meanings to antibiotics creating a lay knowledge frame, even if this knowledge is not scientifically correct. The personal experiences of bacterial infections and their treatment are also an important source of knowledge about antibiotic use and AMR among users. Users demand from their HPs both trust and willingness to listen to their health narratives and experiences. By considering lay knowledge as part of the assessment of a user's health condition, rather than dismissing it as erroneous and therefore unworthy of attention, HPs may enhance the compliance of users. Patient or Public Contribution Patients or community members did not participate in the design stage of the study. Primary Care patients were invited to participate as respondents of in‐depth interviews, which were carried out by the first author at a Primary Care Unit (PCU) in the suburb of Campo Limpo, Southern region of São Paulo, Brazil. Patients were interviewed after reading and signing a Free and Informed Consent Form, holding with them a copy of the Form. Among the final activities of the project, a feedback session at the same PCU is planned to report on the results of the study. All respondents will have the opportunity to contribute further information regarding their antibiotic use and exchange knowledge and experiences on antimicrobial resistance. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-10T21:13:59Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-3a74095ba4694109b43976eb8b766937 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1369-6513 1369-7625 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-10T21:13:59Z |
| publishDate | 2023-02-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Health Expectations |
| spelling | doaj.art-3a74095ba4694109b43976eb8b7669372023-01-20T13:33:07ZengWileyHealth Expectations1369-65131369-76252023-02-0126134335410.1111/hex.13664Experiences of antibiotic use among Brazilian healthcare users: An exploratory studyLuiz F. Zago0Juliana S. Correa1Roberto R. daSilva‐Brandão2Lislaine A. Fracolli3Maria Clara Padoveze4Sandi Michele deOliveira5Gloria C. Corboda Currea6Department of Nursing in Collective Health, School of Nursing University of São Paulo São Paulo BrazilDepartment of Nursing in Collective Health, School of Nursing University of São Paulo São Paulo BrazilDepartment of Nursing in Collective Health, School of Nursing University of São Paulo São Paulo BrazilDepartment of Nursing in Collective Health, School of Nursing University of São Paulo São Paulo BrazilDepartment of Nursing in Collective Health, School of Nursing University of São Paulo São Paulo BrazilSection of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen Copenhagen DenmarkSection of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen Copenhagen DenmarkAbstract Introduction This article analyzes experiences of antibiotic use and bacterial infections among Primary Health Care users of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) and the possible implications for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim is to map aspects that shape users' lay knowledge regarding antibiotics use and AMR. Methods This is an exploratory study, which consists primarily of individual in‐depth interviews with 19 respondents. Recurrent interview topics were coded and analysed according to thematic content analysis. Results Our findings show users' lived experiences constitute three dimensions related to users' previous antibiotic use: (1) lay knowledge about medicines; (2) previous bacterial infections and (3) communication during the consultation. Lay knowledge encompasses the users' understanding of how antibiotics work in comparison to other drugs and experimentations they make with medication. Users' narratives about bacterial infections are divided into situations of urinary tract infections and antibiotic treatments for other conditions. Communication during the consultation is mainly characterized by a lack of shared knowledge and trust in the doctor–patient relationship. Discussion Users bring together knowledge learned from their own experiences to create the rationale, which shapes how they understand antibiotic use, bacterial infections and medical advice. These experiences are interwoven with information received from healthcare professionals (HPs) on these topics, creating a scenario that goes beyond professional information about antibiotic use. Users have knowledge about medication, antibiotics use and bacterial infection but do not have room to share it with HP, allowing lived experiences to take precedence over professional information. Conclusion Users ascribe symbolic meanings to antibiotics creating a lay knowledge frame, even if this knowledge is not scientifically correct. The personal experiences of bacterial infections and their treatment are also an important source of knowledge about antibiotic use and AMR among users. Users demand from their HPs both trust and willingness to listen to their health narratives and experiences. By considering lay knowledge as part of the assessment of a user's health condition, rather than dismissing it as erroneous and therefore unworthy of attention, HPs may enhance the compliance of users. Patient or Public Contribution Patients or community members did not participate in the design stage of the study. Primary Care patients were invited to participate as respondents of in‐depth interviews, which were carried out by the first author at a Primary Care Unit (PCU) in the suburb of Campo Limpo, Southern region of São Paulo, Brazil. Patients were interviewed after reading and signing a Free and Informed Consent Form, holding with them a copy of the Form. Among the final activities of the project, a feedback session at the same PCU is planned to report on the results of the study. All respondents will have the opportunity to contribute further information regarding their antibiotic use and exchange knowledge and experiences on antimicrobial resistance.https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13664antibiotic useantimicrobial resistanceexploratory researchpatient experienceprimary care |
| spellingShingle | Luiz F. Zago Juliana S. Correa Roberto R. daSilva‐Brandão Lislaine A. Fracolli Maria Clara Padoveze Sandi Michele deOliveira Gloria C. Corboda Currea Experiences of antibiotic use among Brazilian healthcare users: An exploratory study Health Expectations antibiotic use antimicrobial resistance exploratory research patient experience primary care |
| title | Experiences of antibiotic use among Brazilian healthcare users: An exploratory study |
| title_full | Experiences of antibiotic use among Brazilian healthcare users: An exploratory study |
| title_fullStr | Experiences of antibiotic use among Brazilian healthcare users: An exploratory study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Experiences of antibiotic use among Brazilian healthcare users: An exploratory study |
| title_short | Experiences of antibiotic use among Brazilian healthcare users: An exploratory study |
| title_sort | experiences of antibiotic use among brazilian healthcare users an exploratory study |
| topic | antibiotic use antimicrobial resistance exploratory research patient experience primary care |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13664 |
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