Social media as a means of sharing information on antimicrobial resistance and appropriate antibiotic use: a systematic review

BACKGROUND: Use of social media to access health information is increasing. This systematic review aims to assess the availability of social media-based information related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antibiotic use aimed at members of the public. It also looked to determine whether sharing information related to AMR and antibiotic use on social media improves public knowledge.

METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO were searched on 24 May 2024. Google Scholar was searched on 4 October 2024. All primary studies published between January 2013 and May 2024 that outlined AMR or antibiotic-related information on social media or assessed the effectiveness of social media at improving knowledge and attitudes towards AMR and antibiotic use were eligible for inclusion. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using the mixed-methods appraisal tool. A narrative synthesis was used to describe the studies.

RESULTS: In total, 624 papers were identified with 607 records removed during de-duplication and screening. Identified papers assessed the reach of and engagement with social media posts ( n  = 7), attitudes towards antibiotic use ( n  = 4), learning materials ( n  = 3) and the effectiveness of social media at increasing public knowledge ( n  = 2). Common misconceptions were identified, including how AMR develops and the conditions that antibiotics can be used to treat.

CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights that a range of information relating to AMR and antibiotic use is available on social media, including false information. However, the impact of exposure to social media content on knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards AMR and appropriate antibiotic use remains unclear.