Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 12, Issue 1, 2010, Pages 107-112

Knowledge and reported use of antibiotics amongst immigrant ethnic groups in New Zealand (Article)

Norris P.* , Ng L.F. , Kershaw V. , Hanna F. , Wong A. , Talekar M. , Oh J. , Azer M. , Cheong L.
  • a School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand
  • b School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand
  • c School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand
  • d School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand
  • e School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand
  • f School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand
  • g School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand
  • h School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand
  • i School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand

Abstract

Background Over-use and misuse of antibiotics are major causes of antibiotic resistance. This study explored the understanding and reported use of antibiotics amongst three ethnic groups in New Zealand. Methods Questionnaire survey of 300 Indian, Egyptian, and Korean people. Results Most people (73.3%) knew that antibiotics killed bacteria, but other incorrect responses were also common. A range of medicines were mistakenly identified as antibiotics. Nearly half the sample (43.3%) believed colds and flu were caused by bacteria. Only 45.4% were sure that antibiotics were not useful for colds and flu. A minority of participants knew about antibiotic resistance. There were significant differences between groups, with Koreans having lower levels of understanding. Discussion Interventions to improve use of antibiotics need to be pitched at a very basic level of knowledge, and need to be targeted towards particular ethnic groups, particularly those in whose home countries antibiotics are widely available without prescription. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Author Keywords

Immigrant Antibiotics Ethnicity Lay understanding

Index Keywords

South Korea Republic of Korea India human middle aged health status ethnology Young Adult Humans male Emigrants and Immigrants female questionnaire Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article Questionnaires adult migration New Zealand antiinfective agent Anti-Bacterial Agents attitude to health Egypt
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-77649236354&doi=10.1007%2fs10903-008-9224-5&partnerID=40&md5=9422a5c7128ea2965b2579ab3e9b8805
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-008-9224-5
ISSN: 15571912
Cited by: 11
Original Language: English