Trial reportClinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America2026
Comparing the Antimicrobial Resistance Crisis to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Public Health Messaging Experiment.
Trial report in Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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9 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an urgent health threat. Effective communication about AMR and avoiding antibiotics for viral infections is a public health priority. Here, we evaluated whether comparing the AMR crisis to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic could enhance public understanding of AMR and reduce intentions to seek unnecessary antibiotics.
methodsIn this randomized online survey (March-April 2024), US adults were randomized to receive 1 of 3 messages: (1) written message describing the AMR crisis (control); (2) written message comparing AMR to the COVID-19 pandemic; or (3) a series of poster-like graphics comparing AMR to the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents then read a scenario describing a viral respiratory infection (where antibiotics are not clinically indicated) and asked to indicate whether they would (1) respond by visiting a primary care clinician and (2) desire to take antibiotics.
resultsThe final sample (N = 972, completion = 90%) had a mean age of 42 years and 58% identified as female. No statistically significant differences were found between messages for intention to visit a primary care clinician (P = .625) or desire to take antibiotics (P = .157). Across all respondents, older age and independent/third-party political affiliation were associated with lower antibiotic-seeking intentions, whereas medical maximizing, prior antibiotic use, being vaccinated for COVID-19, and pride in that status were associated with higher intentions.
conclusionsComparing the threat of AMR to the COVID-19 pandemic did not reduce antibiotic-seeking intentions, indicating this analogy may not be an effective messaging strategy. Adults with greater care-seeking behaviors and preferences were more likely to report antibiotic-seeking intentions.
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