CRP 2024

Evaluation and strengthening of health literacy on microbial drug resistance in young generations

Project code: V3-24047
Tender: Public tender for the selection of research projects of the Target Research Program "CRP 2024"

Leading partner: University of Novo mesto Facutly of Health Sciences

Partner: University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences

Total value of the project: 100,000.00 EUR

Funding information: The project is co-financed by the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS) from the state budget (50%) and co-financier Ministry of Health (50%)

Start: 1 October 2024
End: 30 September 2026

Project manager: Asoc. Prof. Nevenka Kregar Velikonja, PhD

Contact person: Sabina Krsnik, sabina.krsnik@uni-nm.si, 00386 7 393 00 21

Project description:

The project addresses one of the greatest global threats to health - microbial drug resistance (MDR). Microbial drug resistance reduces the effectiveness of infectious disease treatment, threatening the sustainability of the global response to infectious diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) report an increase in antimicrobial resistance, which also applies to Slovenia. In 2019, the WHO published a report on the monitoring of the global strategy for the control of antimicrobial resistance, which emphasizes the importance of raising public awareness of the risks associated with MDR and training health, veterinary and agricultural staff. Slovenia has adopted the national strategy "One health" for the control of antimicrobial resistance (2019-2024), which sets out the priority areas of measures, including optimizing the prescription of antimicrobial drugs, monitoring consumption and microbial resistance, educating professionals and the general public, and research and development.

Research shows that health literacy is a key component of public health as it influences individual and collective health decisions. Higher levels of health literacy contribute to a better understanding of the risks and the measures that can reduce MDR, such as the correct use of antibiotics, hygiene and vaccination. A national survey from 2020 showed that 48 percent of the Slovenian population has limited health literacy. This shows that there is a need to improve communication between health professionals and patients and to develop targeted interventions and health education programs.

The project follows a multidisciplinary approach that includes formal and non-formal education using modern technologies such as digital tools in combination with classical education and information approaches. Young people are involved in the practical activities of the project work and in dissemination activities, working together with health experts. The project also addresses raising awareness among young people to the concept of "one health". The project's target groups include students of nursing and other health sciences, students of various high school programs (especially in the fields of health and agriculture) and young parents.

Work packages:

• WP1: Assessment of health literacy in relation to microbial drug resistance in young target groups
  The aim of the study is to assess the health literacy of young people in relation to antibiotics and microbial resistance and to identify the areas with the greatest deficits and the groups of young people most in need of improvement in this area.
• WP2: Development of content/tools to improve health literacy in different groups of young people
  Objectives include analyzing publications and foreign websites with educational content on the use of antimicrobial drugs and microbial resistance, preparing own educational content and creating a project website that will contain collected and prepared educational materials.
• WP3: Implementation of activities to improve MDR health literacy among different groups of young people
  Objectives include conducting activities to increase health literacy among young people, involving health science students in the preparation and implementation of educational activities, and involving organized youth in the dissemination of project information materials and online publications among their peers.
• WP4: Evaluate the impact of the activities carried out on improving health literacy in the area and develop recommendations for the implementation of the project results
  The objectives include the evaluation of the impact of the activities carried out and the elaboration of recommendations for the implementation of systemic solutions to improve the health literacy of young people in relation to the use of antimicrobial drugs and the resistance of microbes to drugs.
• WP5: Dissemination of research results
  Dissemination of research results with the aim of presenting them to the widest possible general, professional and scientific public and preparing the basis for the implementation of the project results at system level.

Importance and objectives of the project:

Research into the health literacy of microbial drug resistance in younger generations has far-reaching implications for science and professional development. It contributes to the creation of effective educational strategies, supports public health policy, improves behavioral practices, and contributes to a better understanding and management of MDR. In the long term, this research can help prevent the spread of drug resistance and preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations. Understanding how young people perceive and deal with information about NCDs is essential to developing effective strategies to prevent and manage this global health threat. This understanding enables the development of more effective education programs and the design of targeted education programs adapted to different age groups and their specific needs.

Insights into which methods (e.g. media information, simulations, workshops) are most effective can improve educational approaches and increase youth engagement. They can also support the development of responsible antibiotic stewardship in schools and communities. With better health literacy among young people, we can reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics, which directly contributes to reducing the spread of MDR. Awareness of the importance of hygiene and vaccination can help to reduce the number of infections and therefore the need for antibiotic use. At the same time, research can provide valuable data for policy makers who can use this data to develop more targeted and effective public health strategies. The research can show how young people perceive the risks and benefits of MDR and identify gaps in knowledge: The results can thus help to identify specific knowledge gaps and misconceptions, leading to improved educational content and methods. Improving health literacy in relation to MDR has potential long-term public health benefits. Educated young people are likely to use antibiotics more responsibly, reducing the risk of the emergence and spread of drug resistance. Young people who are well informed about MDR can share their knowledge with peers, family members and future generations, which strengthens overall health literacy in society.

Objectives:

• Analyze young people's health literacy on microbial drug resistance with a focus on assessing how well young people understand the risks associated with MDR and the correct use of antibiotics.
• Implementation of activities to improve health literacy regarding microbial drug resistance and the rational use of antibiotics (promotional activities, workshops, information to target groups) with the following objectives: Increasing the responsible use of antimicrobial medicines, reducing the demand for antibiotic prescriptions among adolescents and young parents, raising awareness of the proper use of waste antibiotics and understanding the concept of "one health", especially among young people in the health and agricultural sectors.
• Involve young people (students of health sciences) in the implementation of activities and organized young people (student councils, student associations, ...) in the dissemination activities of the project activities.
• Dissemination of research results to the general and professional public with the aim of improving collective knowledge and behavior about MDR.

Project results:

• Report: Assessment of health literacy regarding microbial drug resistance in target groups of young people;
• Creation of tools and materials for education on antimicrobial drug use and microbial drug resistance;
• Report: Implementation of activities to improve health literacy on microbial drug resistance;
• Original scientific article for the scientific community: Evaluation of health literacy on microbial drug resistance among young people in Slovenia;
• Report: Evaluation of the effect of implemented activities on improving health literacy on microbial drug resistance;
• Report: Recommendations for the implementation of systemic solutions to improve health literacy of young people on antimicrobial drug use and microbial drug resistance;
• A roundtable for the professional community and all other interested stakeholders, where we will particularly involve young people who can contribute to increasing health literacy on microbial drug resistance in their generation and the general public.