571 Health literacy and antibiotic knowledge and use amongst refugees in Freiburg, Germany

Sep 30, 2026

Health literacy among adult refugees in Freiburg, Germany is assessed alongside antibiotic knowledge and actual antibiotic use, with attention to how understanding and applying health information affects infection prevention. A cross-sectional survey of 107 residents from the initial reception center uses the HLS-EU-16 and ad hoc questions to measure antibiotic knowledge and use. Findings show heterogeneous health literacy and patchy antibiotic knowledge, with inappropriate use more likely among participants with lower health literacy.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Aims

Methods

Results

Conclusions

vi114 European Journal of Public Health, Vol. 35, Supplement 6, 2025 Abstract citation ID: ckaf180 .313 571 Health literacy and antibiotic knowledge and use amongst refugees in Freiburg, Germany Hamida Alam1, Amira Abudayyeh1, Benedikt Spielberger1, Anna Hansel2, Siegbert Rieg2, Philipp Henneke1, Diana Sahrai3, Anneke Haddad1 1Institute For Infection Prevention And Control, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg Im Breisgau, Germany 2Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg Im Breisgau, Germany 3Institute for Educational Science, Freiburg University of Education, Freiburg Im Breisgau, Germany EP1.2, e-Poster Terminal 1, September 3, 2025, 13:05-13:55 Aims: Health literacy (HL) enables individuals to make informed health decisions, including regarding infectious diseases. Refugees are at heightened risk of low HL due to language barriers, cultural differences, and limited access to reliable health information. They also face higher risk of infectious diseases, including antibiotic-resistant infections. We aimed to assess HL, antibiotic knowledge and use, and relationships between them among adults residing in the initial reception center (Landeserstaufnahmeeinrichtung, LEA) for refugees and asylum seekers in Freiburg, Germany. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 107 adult LEA residents, who completed questionnaires in Arabic, Persian, Pashto, Turkish, and English. HL was measured using the HLS-EU-16; antibiotic knowledge and use were assessed using ad hoc questions, based on existing literature. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Around half of participants had adequate self-reported HL, while the remainder reported problematic or inadequate HL, reflecting difficulties with finding, understanding, or applying healthrelated information. Nearly half reported having used antibiotics within the last 6 months; however, knowledge regarding antibiotics was patchy and many participants reported inappropriate antibiotic use (e.g., inadequate duration; storing leftover antibiotics for later use) . Lower HL was associated with increased likelihood of inappropriate antibiotic use. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that HL among LEA residents in Freiburg is heterogeneous and shaped by multiple demographic and contextual factors. The findings underscore the importance of culturally and linguistically tailored health education strategies to improve infection prevention and health outcomes in refugee populations, particularly regarding knowledge about and use of antibiotics.

FAQs

What was the study’s main aim?

To assess health literacy, antibiotic knowledge and use, and their relationships among adults living in Freiburg’s initial reception center for refugees and asylum seekers.

How were health literacy and antibiotic knowledge/use measured?

Health literacy was measured using the HLS-EU-16, while antibiotic knowledge and use were assessed with ad hoc questions based on existing literature.

What did the study find about antibiotic use and knowledge?

Around half of participants reported adequate health literacy, while the rest reported problematic or inadequate health literacy. Nearly half reported using antibiotics in the last 6 months, but antibiotic knowledge was patchy and many reported inappropriate use, such as inadequate duration or keeping leftover antibiotics for later use.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Aria Callaghan