The Importance of Awareness-raising for Preventing and Managing Antimicrobial Resistance: Focusing on a National Awareness Survey

초록

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat that causes treatment failures and increases mortality. However, appropriate antimicrobial use and improved awareness can prevent most cases of AMR. This article highlights the importance of awareness-building in preventing and managing AMR. It also introduces international examples of efforts to raise awareness of AMR and summarizes key national awareness-raising activities. A comprehensive review of major international websites, extant literature, national public awareness campaigns, AMR prevention materials, and recent survey findings on public awareness and behaviors was conducted. The awareness survey revealed a persistent gap between knowledge about antibiotic use and actual behavior. Nevertheless, a positive trend was observed: exposure to information that raises awareness resulted in tangible behavioral changes. In particular, healthcare professionals are highly trusted; thus, expert recommendations represent a valuable foundation that can direct citizens toward appropriate practices. This finding suggests that proactive expert-led communication should accompany public information dissemination to effectively prevent AMR. AMR is a preventable public health threat. Systematic and sustained awareness-raising activities can establish a critical foundation that promotes appropriate antibiotic use and reinforces national AMR response policies. The continued expansion of evidence-based, targeted communication strategies and multisectoral collaborations is essential for effective AMR prevention and control. Copyright © Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

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