Björn Rönnerstrand, researcher at the SOM Institute at the University of Gothenburg, will present “Social science research on antimicrobial resistance in the Swedish Citizens Panel” during a seminar organised by DIGSSCORE. The event will take place on November 7th, 2023 at 12:00-12:45 in The Corner Room at DIGSSCORE, Rosenbergsgaten 35, Bergen.
The event is in a hybrid format, you are welcome to join us for lunch from the Corner room at DIGSSCORE. Food is provided on a first-come first-served basis. Zoom link for digital attendance.
Abstract:
This presentation will focus on research related to antimicrobial resistance conducted within the framework of the Swedish Citizens Panel (SCP). After a brief introduction to the SCP, the talk will explore practical applications of SCP research in the context of antimicrobial resistance. To illustrate these points, ongoing research (as detailed below) will be introduced.
“Peers, policy, and attitudes as drivers of antibiotic prescribing”, by Fredrik Carlsson, Gunnar Jacobsson, Elina Lampi and Björn Rönnerstrand
In this study we investigated how treatment norms about antibiotic use affect a doctor ́s decision to prescribe antibiotics. We also investigated the attitudes and behavior of the same physicians as private persons. We find that compared with ordinary citizens, physicians are more worried and more well-informed about antibiotic resistance and use, yet they consume more antibiotics and are less willing to limit their personal use of antibiotics. There is a strong correlation between a doctor ́s decision not to prescribe and the treatment norms, i.e., the perception of the common choice among physicians considering antibiotics prescription and the guidelines of antibiotics use. We also find a strong connection between professional and private attitudes: Although physicians themselves on average use more antibiotics than the general public, those who are willing to abstain from using antibiotics as a private person are also more willing not to prescribe antibiotics to their patients.
Working paper available.
Picture: Björn Rönnerstrand, © Johan Wingborg