Dataset Information

A kiosk survey of perception, attitudes and knowledge (PAK) of Australians concerning microbes, antibiotics, probiotics and hygiene.

ABSTRACT:

Issues addressed

To obtain a baseline of public perception, attitudes and knowledge (PAK) of Australians about microbes, antibiotics and hygiene like hand washing and use of probiotics.

Methods

Using a kiosk-based survey method at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), we remotely assayed PAK of Australians through their interaction with the kiosk. The surveys we used had five and seven multiple answer questions and were analysed using standard comparative approaches. We also made comparisons based on gender and on age group for many of the questions.

Results

Our analyses indicate that there is a lack of general understanding of the role of microbes in everyday life among Australians. In addition, we detected some basic misunderstandings about antibiotics. While 80% of the respondents identified penicillin as an antibiotic, up to 30% of the respondents wrongly identified aspirin, Tylenol, valium and Benadryl as antibiotics. We also detected a general lack of knowledge about hand washing hygiene and probiotic use.

Conclusions

Our results from around 700 Australian respondents can serve as a baseline for further PAK assessment of Australians. PAK of Australians with respect to microbes and hand washing hygiene is poor therefore public education is needed. This study should stimulate a better roadmap for public education about microbes, antibiotics, probiotics and hygiene. SO WHAT?: With the recent spread of SARS-Cov2 and the ensuing Covid19 pandemic and the continuing rise in antimicrobial resistance, the need for assessment PAK of microbes and infectious disease has become acute.

SUBMITTER: DeSalle R

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8847535 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

A kiosk survey of perception, attitudes and knowledge (PAK) of Australians concerning microbes, antibiotics, probiotics and hygiene.

DeSalle Rob R Wikins Jared J Kennett Rod R

Health promotion journal of Australia : official journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals 20210830 3

<h4>Issues addressed</h4>To obtain a baseline of public perception, attitudes and knowledge (PAK) of Australians about microbes, antibiotics and hygiene like hand washing and use of probiotics.<h4>Methods</h4>Using a kiosk-based survey method at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), we remotely assayed PAK of Australians through their interaction with the kiosk. The surveys we used had five and seven multiple answer questions and were analysed using standard comparative approaches. We a ...[more]

PMID: 34398493

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Dataset Information

A kiosk survey of perception, attitudes and knowledge (PAK) of Australians concerning microbes, antibiotics, probiotics and hygiene.

Issues addressed

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

A kiosk survey of perception, attitudes and knowledge (PAK) of Australians concerning microbes, antibiotics, probiotics and hygiene.

Similar Datasets

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