The Influence of Peer Norms and Personal Attitudes on Doctors' Antibiotic Prescriptions

Recent research indicates that physicians' antibiotic prescribing habits are significantly shaped by their perceptions of peer behavior and their own private attitudes towards antibiotics. A study published in the journal Kyklos reveals that Swedish doctors who believe their colleagues tend to prescribe antibiotics more restrictively are themselves more inclined to limit antibiotic use. Moreover, personal attitudes play a role, as physicians who avoid antibiotics in their own lives usually adopt more cautious prescribing practices professionally.

Conducted by researchers from the University of Gothenburg's School of Business, Economics and Law, the study emphasizes the impact of private norms alongside professional peer influence. Doctors who steer clear of antibiotics personally tend to be more cautious at work, aligning their personal and professional behaviors.

The findings underscore the importance of combating antibiotic resistance—a major global health concern—by promoting responsible antibiotic use. Overprescription accelerates the development of resistant bacteria, making infections harder to treat. The study highlights that among the various influences, the behavior of colleagues has the strongest impact on prescribing choices.

Interestingly, the research shows that doctors often use more antibiotics in their personal lives compared to the general population and are less likely to refrain from using them even when they are ill, despite being more aware of antibiotic resistance issues. This indicates that private attitudes and behaviors are linked to professional practices, but peer norms tend to have a more substantial influence.

To curb unnecessary antibiotic use, healthcare institutions should foster a culture of restraint by highlighting exemplary prescribing behaviors among colleagues. Encouraging responsible norms and social influences can be an effective strategy to slow down the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which threaten public health worldwide.

This study demonstrates the crucial role of social science research in understanding and designing interventions for better antibiotic stewardship. Promoting responsible prescribing among doctors is essential not only for individual patient care but also for safeguarding antibiotic effectiveness for future generations.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-peers-private-norms-doctors-antibiotic.html