Public awareness of microorganisms resistance to antibiotics

This diploma thesis deals with resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics and public awareness of this topic. The aim of the thesis was to find out what the public awareness of the given topic is and what knowledge the public has about the possibilities of prevention of creation and spreading of resistant microorganisms. Three main hypotheses have been set: Hypothesis 1: The public has no deeper knowledge of antibiotic treatment. Hypothesis 2: The public will in most cases get information on antibiotic treatment from a doctor. Hypothesis 3: Most people are unaware that they can contribute by rational use of antibiotics to prevent antibiotic resistance. In order to achieve the stated goals of the diploma thesis, a quantitative method of research was used. Data collection was conducted through anonymous questionnaire survey of the public population using the Click4Survey.cz web server and distribution of paper questionnaires in FN Plzeň. Results of the questionnaire survey were evaluated based on statistical data processing in Microsoft Office Excel 2007, and a Chi-squared test of independence in the pivot table and a relative frequency test were used to verify the hypotheses. Based on the evaluation of the results, it was found that among the groups of respondents, depending on whether they filled in a questionnaire on the Internet or a printed questionnaire at the hospital, there are fundamental statistical differences in knowledge and awareness of the problem. That is why it was necessary to further evaluate these two groups separately. Antibiotic resistance nowadays is a very important medical issue. The main cause is inconsistent use or overuse of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine, as well as insufficient awareness of the extent of the problem and the consequences of antibiotic resistance. For this reason, I have chosen this issue as a topic for my diploma thesis to highlight the risks of antibiotic resistance and to provide information primarily to the general public