Perceptions and attitudes about antibiotic resistance in the general public and general practitioners in France

Background: During the last 20 years, France has taken important steps to tackle antibiotic resistance. These include national awareness campaigns for the general public, and supporting changes in terms of antibiotic prescription for healthcare practitioners. We conducted two surveys prior to the commencement of the upcoming 2022/2023 campaign, to explore the general public’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding antibiotics and also the perceptions and practices of general practitioners (GPs). Methods In 2019, we conducted a telephone survey in a national representative quota sample of 1204 persons aged over 15 years old living in metropolitan France, including an over-sample of 332 parents of children six years old or younger. In 2020, an online survey was conducted in a national representative sample of 388 GPs. Comparisons were made with similar telephone and online surveys conducted in 2010. Results Twenty-seven percent of respondents reported taking antibiotics during the previous year (31% in 2010). Sixty-five percent of GPs declared prescribing fewer antibiotics during the previous five years. However, 92% of GPs reported pressure from their patients for an antibiotic prescription (88% in 2010). The pressure from elderly patients increased notably between the two study periods. Twenty-three percent of respondents reported putting pressure on their GP (15% in 2010). All respondents expressed total trust in their GP irrespective of whether s/he had prescribed them antibiotics. Half knew that antibiotics act only on bacteria, and 38% understood precisely what antibiotic resistance is. Conclusion Although antibiotic use is decreasing in France, patient pressure on GPs to prescribe antibiotics has increased. GPs are key ambassadors in reducing antibiotic use. Awareness campaigns must target elderly patients in particular.