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Effect of Social Norm Messages on US Adults’ Antibiotic Use Intentions

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study design: Clinical Trial

Abstract: In this randomized survey of US adults (N = 972), public health messages explaining why antibiotics should be avoided for cold/flu symptoms reduced the desire for antibiotics for cold/flu symptoms. Social norm framing (62% do not vs 38% do) showed no significant effect on antibiotic intentions. Public communications should prioritize clear explanations.

Source: Open Forum Infectious Diseases

DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofag664

Authors: Alistair Thorpe, Julia E Szymczak, Emely Luhan, Madeline C Farrell, William B Petty, Valerie M Vaughn, Angela Fagerlin, Rachael A Lee

Institutions: University of Utah, University of Portsmouth, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham VA Medical Center, UAB Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Antibiotic Use and Resistance

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,053

Funders: American Heart Association, University of Utah, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Award: Development and testing of communication strategies to improve decisions to initiate and adhere to GLP-1 agonists.

OpenAlex ID: W7221829353

FWCI:

Cites: 12

Cited by:

Related to: 10