Gaps in
public knowledge about antibiotics have led to calls for public
education campaigns about antibiotics, including education of
school children.
Objective: This study investigates New Zealand primary school
teachers’ current level of knowledge about antibiotics, to assess
whether this is adequate for providing accurate education for
children.
Methods: Two hundred and sixty-six primary school teachers from
39 schools in four cities were interviewed about their knowledge
and understandings of antibiotics, using a questionnaire.
Results: Teachers reported having little current involvement with
antibiotics. There were gaps in the understanding of antibiotics
amongst many of the teachers. Only about 60% knew that antibiotics
were useful only in bacterial infections, many believed antibiotics
were useful for colds and flu, and many did not know about antibiotic
resistance. On the other hand, teachers largely reported appropriate
patterns of antibiotic use.
Conclusion: If teachers are to educate children about antibiotics,
basic education about antibiotics and resistance will be required
for school teachers.
