Reducing Unnecessary Antibiotic Prescriptions for Coughs in Turkish Immigrants
Author Information
Author(s): Sahlan Selime, Wollny Anja, Brockmann Silke, Fuchs Angela, Altiner Attila
Primary Institution: Department of General Practice, University Hospital, Heinrich-Heine-University
Hypothesis
If both patients and doctors are informed about the harmless nature of a cough, they will discuss the issue more openly and reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
Conclusion
The leaflet successfully imparted relevant and new information to the target patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients understood the leaflet's messages regardless of age, gender, or education.
- Many patients began to reconsider their attitudes towards antibiotics after reading the leaflet.
- The leaflet was adapted to better fit the socio-cultural context of Turkish immigrants.
Takeaway
Doctors and patients can talk better about coughs and antibiotics, which helps reduce unnecessary prescriptions.
Methodology
Qualitative interviews with 57 Turkish patients about a translated leaflet on coughs and antibiotics.
Potential Biases
Patients' responses may have been influenced by social desirability.
Limitations
Interviews were brief and may not have covered all relevant topics; patients might have felt uncomfortable during interviews.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 33 women and 24 men, aged 17 to 75 years, with varying educational backgrounds.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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