RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Recent migrants’ perspectives on antibiotic use and prescribing in primary care: a qualitative study
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP e802
OP e809
DO 10.3399/bjgp16X686809
VO 66
IS 652
A1 Antje Lindenmeyer
A1 Sabi Redwood
A1 Laura Griffith
A1 Shazia Ahmed
A1 Jenny Phillimore
YR 2016
UL http://bjgp.org/content/66/652/e802.abstract
AB Background Currently there is great interest in antibiotic prescribing practices in the UK, but little is known about the experiences of the increasing numbers of recent migrants (those present in the UK for >1 year but <5 years) registered at GP practices. Qualitative research has suggested that reasons for not prescribing antibiotics may not be clearly communicated to migrants.Aim This study aimed to explore the factors that shape migrants’ experiences of and attitudes to antibiotics, and to suggest ways to improve effective communication around their use.Design and setting A qualitative study on recent migrants’ health beliefs, values, and experiences in a community setting in primary care.Method Twenty-three recent migrants were interviewed in their preferred language by trained community researchers. The research team conducted a thematic analysis, focusing on health beliefs, engaging with health services, transnational medicine, and concepts of fairness. Experiences around antibiotics were a strong emerging theme.Results Three reasons were identified for antibiotics seeking: first, holding an ‘infectious model’ of illness implying that antibiotics are required quickly to avoid illness becoming worse or spreading to others; second, reasoning that other medications will be less effective for people ‘used to’ antibiotics’; and third, perceiving antibiotic prescription as a sign of being taken seriously. Some participants obtained antibiotics from their country of origin or migrant networks in the UK; others changed their mind and accepted alternatives.Conclusion Primary care professionals should aim to understand migrants’ perspectives to improve communication with patients. Further research is needed to identify different strategies needed to respond to the varying understandings of antibiotics held by migrants.