Global and regional knowledge of antibiotic use and resistance among the general public: a systematic review and meta-analysis

A large systematic review and meta-analysis of global public knowledge about antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance shows that while about three-quarters of people worldwide understand that antibiotics work against bacteria, major misconceptions persist—particularly the belief that antibiotics are effective for viral infections and unclear understanding of how misuse drives resistance. Knowledge levels vary widely between regions, with some populations showing much lower awareness, and the included studies display high heterogeneity due to differing survey designs and contexts. Overall, the findings highlight that despite moderate basic awareness, substantial gaps remain that directly contribute to inappropriate antibiotic use, underscoring the urgent need for targeted, region-specific public education to strengthen global AMR containment efforts.