Keywords: Antibiotic use, Primary care, Patient attitudes, Antimicrobial resistance

Background:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents an increasing global health threat, enabling microorganisms to withstand antimicrobial agents and complicating infection control. While inappropriate antibiotic use has been widely recognized as a major contributing factor, patient expectations and misconceptions remain potent drivers of unnecessary prescribing. Previous studies have shown significant differences among European populations in antibiotic-related attitudes, yet national-level data on the Hungarian population remain limited.

Research questions:

The objective of this research is to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral patterns related to antibiotic use among Hungarian adults and to evaluate their role in inappropriate community antibiotic use.

Method:

A cross-sectional survey is being conducted among Hungarian adults, recruited from collaborating general practices. Participants complete a structured self-administered questionnaire assessing: (1) knowledge (e.g. indications, mechanisms, and appropriate use); (2) emotional attitudes toward antibiotics (e.g. perceived safety, trust, disappointment if not prescribed); and (3) behavioral patterns including self- medication, storage of leftover antibiotics, and adherence. Data analysis will focus on identifying patterns and associations between knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, as well as exploring demographic predictors of antibiotic misuse.

Results:

Preliminary findings show a mean age of 53 years (SD=17.3), with 66.7% female participants. A total of 64.3% correctly identified antibacterial effects of antibiotics, whereas 66.7% believed they have anti-inflammatory properties and 14.3% attributed antiviral effects to them. Moreover, 52.4% considered antibiotic treatment indicated in case of fever. Most respondents (78.6%) appreciated thorough clinical examination before prescription, and 78.6% fully rejected antibiotic use without prior consultation with a physician.

Conclusions:

Preliminary findings suggest considerable misconceptions about antibiotic indications among Hungarian patients but generally cautious attitudes toward self-medication. These results highlight the need for targeted public health campaigns to enhance antibiotic literacy and support rational antibiotic use in primary care.

Points for discussion:

Mixed antibiotic knowledge: reasonable awareness of antibacterial effects but frequent misconceptions about anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

The general rejection of self-medication and appreciation of physician-led decision-making suggest that antibiotic misuse is more likely driven by misunderstanding rather than intentional overuse.

The potential role of general practitioners in correcting specific misconceptions (e.g. anti-inflammatory and antiviral beliefs) during routine visits without substantially increasing workload.