Dataset Information

A natural history museum visitor survey of perception, attitude and knowledge (PAK) of microbes and antibiotics.

ABSTRACT: A kiosk-based survey at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City in 2016-2018 allowed us to assess public knowledge of antibiotics and public attitudes toward microbes in museum goers. Over 22,000 visitors from 172 countries and territories answered several carefully designed questions about microbes and antibiotics. These visitors also entered age, gender, and country demographic data that allowed for stratification along these demographic and geographic divisions. Because museum goers are likely to be better informed about these and other science-based topics, the results described here can set a potential upper bound for public knowledge on these topics. Surprisingly, the results of our analysis of museum goers' answers about microbes and antibiotics indicate a substantial lack of familiarity with both topics. For example, overall only about 50% of respondents can correctly identify penicillin as an antibiotic and less than 50% of museum visitors view microbes as beneficial. The results described here suggest that we are perhaps off target with our educational efforts in this area and that a major shift in approach toward more basic microbial topics is warranted in our educational efforts.

SUBMITTER: Zichello J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8457478 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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A natural history museum visitor survey of perception, attitude and knowledge (PAK) of microbes and antibiotics.

Zichello Julia J Gupta Preeti P Scott Monique M Desai Bella B Cohen Ruth R Halderman Lauri L Perkins Susan S Porzecanski Ana A Planet Paul J PJ Wyner Yael Y Blaser Martin M Burk Robert R Diamond Judy J Kennett Rod R Borland Jennifer J DeSalle Rob R

PloS one 20210922 9

A kiosk-based survey at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City in 2016-2018 allowed us to assess public knowledge of antibiotics and public attitudes toward microbes in museum goers. Over 22,000 visitors from 172 countries and territories answered several carefully designed questions about microbes and antibiotics. These visitors also entered age, gender, and country demographic data that allowed for stratification along these demographic and geographic divisions. Because museum ...[more]

PMID: 34550986

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Project description:IntroductionKidney transplantation is the gold standard for patients with end-stage kidney disease. In view of shortages of available organs, long wait times for possible transplantation, and strict regulation, many patients opt for commercial transplantation. This study elicits the reasons and motivations for patients with end-stage kidney disease to elect for commercial transplant.MethodsA questionnaire-based evaluation was conducted during the period from July 2015 until late December 2015. It consisted of 29 multiple choice questions and was distributed to all patients who underwent commercial kidney transplantation.ResultsOne hundred and fifty patients were approached to participate and 106 agreed. Of the participants, 60% were male with an average age of 41.5 (SD 14.8) years and ranged from 18 to 83 years. The majority (82%) of our participants were educated ranging from primary to college level. The major reason (71%) for these participants to obtain commercial transplants was stated as the unavailability of a live related donor. Thirteen percent stated that they objected to getting a kidney donated from a family member, and 9% stated that they were worried about taking a kidney from a family member. Finally, 3% of participants stated that they needed prompt transplant and could not wait for a long time for transplant investigations and the workup associated with this program.DiscussionThe study showed that the most common underlying cause for seeking commercial transplantation is the unavailability of a national transplant program, particularly transplantation from deceased sources. All western ethical arguments turn out to become of vital importance in developing countries, because transplantation is the cheapest renal replacement therapy. However, it must be emphasized that commercial transplants should not be an alternative to building a national transplant initiative. The national diseased program must be a priority with full financial and administrative support. All government agencies including religious affairs must work together to support the program and to provide the citizens with a good transplantation service and ameliorate the impact of commercial transplantation.

Dataset Information

A natural history museum visitor survey of perception, attitude and knowledge (PAK) of microbes and antibiotics.

Publications

A natural history museum visitor survey of perception, attitude and knowledge (PAK) of microbes and antibiotics.

Similar Datasets

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