A summary of research published in ERJ Open Research.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses or fungi change over time and can avoid being killed by medicines that would usually treat them. This is a growing global health threat. People with long-term lung conditions such as bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis or asthma often need medication, known as antibiotics, antivirals or antifungals, to manage infections and symptoms.
Over time, if this kind of medicine is used incorrectly or overused across whole populations, the bugs it targets can develop so that they can resist the medication.
Despite the importance of this issue, little is known about how people with long-term lung conditions understand AMR, how it affects them and what their concerns are.
The AMR-Lung Clinical Research Collaboration, in partnership with the European Lung Foundation (ELF), carried out a global online survey to understand patients’ experiences and views on AMR. The survey was translated into 20 languages and shared over 2 months. It included 39 questions about health, antibiotic use, awareness of AMR and personal priorities.
Over 2,000 people from 57 countries responded. Most had long-term lung conditions such as bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis or asthma. The survey also included responses from caregivers, particularly for children and people with limited computer access.
The survey revealed several important findings:
Although most respondents viewed AMR as a serious global and personal threat, many had not heard of it before taking part in the survey.
The majority of respondents wanted more information about AMR, particularly on how to prevent resistance, understand the risks and recognise when antibiotics are really needed.
This is the first global study to look at how people with long-term lung conditions experience and view AMR. It shows that AMR is already affecting many people and that awareness and access to information vary greatly across the world.
By listening to patients, the AMR-Lung Clinical Research Collaboration aims to support a more informed and safer use of antibiotics. These findings will help improve education, guide future research and shape healthcare policies that reflect the needs and concerns of patients most affected by AMR.