[Bacterial resistance and antibiotic prescriptions: perceptions, attitudes and knowledge of a sample of French GPs]

Abstract

Objective: The study's objective was to assess General Practitioners' (GPs) perceptions of their antibiotic prescribing practice and of bacterial resistance.

Design: We surveyed a random sample of 102 GPs out of the 1242 working in the Alpes-Maritimes area (France).

Results: The response rate was 69%. More than 80% of the GPs felt confident when prescribing an antibiotic. The two main factors thought to influence their antibiotic prescriptions were their previous experience (97%) and guidelines (81%), advice from a colleague was quoted by only 13% of the GPs. Antibiotic resistance was perceived as a national problem by 91% of the respondents, but only 65% rated the problem as important in their own daily practice. Widespread and inappropriate antibiotic use, prescription of broad spectrum antibiotics or too low antibiotic doses were rated as important causes of resistance, but excessive duration of antibiotic treatment or poor hand hygiene practices were cited less often. The three measures perceived to be helpful or very helpful to improve antibiotic prescribing by more than 80% of the GPs were training sessions, availability of guidelines and of resistance data.

Conclusions: These perceptions must be taken into account to maximize adherence of GPs to the measures intended to limit bacterial resistance.