2024 population survey on antibiotic resistance

Antibiotics are indispensable in modern medicine. But just how often are they taken in Switzerland? What do the people of Switzerland know about the correct use of antibiotics, the risks they entail and antibiotic resistance? The fifth survey conducted as part of the Swiss Strategy on Antibiotic Resistance (StAR) provides insights into the current situation.

The increase in antibiotic resistance represents a challenge. This is why the Federal Council adopted the Swiss Strategy on Antibiotic Resistance (StAR) back in 2015. With the StAR 2024–2027 One Health Action Plan, which was launched this year, existing measures are strengthened, goals defined more precisely, and new priorities set for the years ahead.

To allow for the efficient and targeted implementation of the respective measures, the FOPH has been surveying the Swiss population with respect to antibiotic use and to assess their knowledge in this area every two years since 2016. The results of the latest survey, which questioned 3,485 respondents, are now available.

Antibiotic use
The use of antibiotics in Switzerland has remained relatively constant: Over the past 12 months, 22 perecent of the respondents had taken antibiotics. In 58 percent of these cases, a laboratory test was conducted as part of the diagnosis prior to a prescription being issued. The main reasons for the issuance of prescriptions were urinary tract infections and surgical interventions. However, diseases for which antibiotics have no effect were also among the reasons cited. These included viral illnesses such as the flu (6 percent) and colds (6 percent) as well as unclear indications like headaches (4 percent) and fever (4 percent). In the majority of cases, leftover antibiotics were correctly returned to a pharmacy or medical practice and not stored, shared or used at a later point in time.

Knowledge about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance
Most of the Swiss population were aware of the problems surrounding antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Around 81 percent knew that taking antibiotics unnecessarily can reduce their effectiveness. A clear majority of those questioned also knew about the correct use of antibiotics and how to handle any that may be left over. It also became clear, however, that there are still gaps in the Swiss population’s knowledge. While 73 percent of respondents knew that antibiotics will not help with the flu or a cold, only 55 percent of those questioned, for example, were aware that antibiotics are unable to destroy viruses. Furthermore, approximately 80 percent of respondents incorrectly assumed that people can become resistant to antibiotics.

Information sources and information requirements
When it comes to antibiotics, the preferred contacts for information are doctors (81 percent), followed by pharmacists (44 percent) and official health websites. The most frequently named issues where people wished for more in-depth information were alternatives to antibiotics (28 percent) and antibiotic resistance (22 percent).

Knowledge about the use of antibiotics in livestock
Generally speaking, the use of antibiotics in sick livestock was supported, with around 58 percent of respondents either fully or tending to be in favour. Here too, however, there are gaps in the Swiss population’s knowledge. For example, only 48 percent of those questioned knew, that the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in livestock is banned in Switzerland. In addition, only 27 percent were aware of the marked decline in the use of antibiotics in Switzerland. Around 26 percent of respondents overestimated the risk of an infection with resistant bacteria through the consumption of meat, while 40 percent were unable to assess the risk. Additionally, only 20 percent knew that animals cannot become resistant to antibiotics.

The most important results have been summarised in a fact sheet. More detailed results can be found in the study report.

The population survey was conducted between June and August 2024 and is representative of the language-assimilated Swiss resident population aged 15 and over. The Sampling Frame for Person and Household Surveys (SRPH) of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) was used for the sampling. A total of 3,485 people were surveyed using computer-assisted telephone interviews and computer-assisted online interviews.