Bern, 11.11.2024 – As part of the Swiss Strategy on Antibiotic Resistance (StAR), the FOPH has conducted a representative survey on the topics of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. The results reveal both the current level of knowledge and where gaps in the Swiss population's knowledge exist.
2024 population survey on antibiotic resistance
The successful use of antibiotics against bacterial infections is considered one of the greatest achievements in the history of medicine. However, resistant bacteria can develop each time antibiotics are used, making the treatment of infections more difficult or even impossible. It is therefore vital that antibiotics are used as appropriately as possible in both humans and animals.
In this context, 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.
As part of StAR, the FOPH has been conducting periodic representative surveys of the Swiss population on its knowledge about, attitudes towards and use of antibiotics since 2016. In summer 2024, the fifth survey was conducted with 3,485 people.
The most important results
Antibiotic use
Over the past 12 months, 22 percent of the Swiss population had taken antibiotics. This means that the use of antibiotics has remained at a relatively constant level since the surveys began. In around 94 percent of cases, antibiotics were taken after being prescribed by a doctor.
Urinary tract infections and surgical interventions were the most frequently cited reasons for the use of antibiotics. However, the survey revealed that antibiotics had also been taken for illnesses caused by viruses (e.g. flu) despite the fact that antibiotics do not help with viral infections. Such instances were nevertheless comparatively rare.
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. In addition, the majority knew that antibiotics should be taken as prescribed and any remaining antibiotics should ideally be returned to the point of issue.
It also became clear, however, that there are still gaps in the Swiss population’s knowledge. For example, only 55 percent of respondents were aware that antibiotics do not destroy viruses. Furthermore, approximately 80 percent incorrectly assumed that people can become resistant to antibiotics when it is in fact the bacteria that develop resistance.
When it comes to animals, only 48 percent of respondents knew that the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in livestock is banned in Switzerland.
Information sources and information requirements
When it comes to antibiotics, doctors were cited as the most relevant sources of information, followed by pharmacies and official health websites. The greatest need for information exists in connection with alternatives to antibiotics and antibiotic resistance.
World AMR Awareness Week (18 to 24 November 2024)
This year, “World AMR Awareness Week” will once again draw attention internationally and in Switzerland to the topic of antibiotic resistance and the correct use of antibiotics.
As the problem is interdisciplinary in nature, the following federal offices are all involved in StAR:
- The FOPH
- The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO)
- The Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG)
- The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN)
The current survey provides an important basis.
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.
Last modification 06.11.2024
Contact
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Communicable Diseases Division
Strategies and Legal Bases Section
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
3003
Bern
Switzerland
Tel.
+41 58 463 87 06