A multidisciplinary approach to antibiotic resistance: insights from psychological and microbiological perspectives

The doctoral thesis targets on antibiotic resistance, both the examination of individual factors influencing it and the influence of antibiotic abuse on the general well-being of people. Antibiotic resistance is one of the most critical public health challenges of the 21st century, exacerbated by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. While traditionally approached from a medical and microbiological perspective, this doctoral research emphasizes the importance of integrating psychological dimensions into the study of improper antibiotic use. The thesis research aims to explore the psychological, microbiological, and neurological factors that shape antibiotic behaviors, as well as to develop a comprehensive framework based on these findings to address antibiotic resistance. To accomplish this goal, the strategy employed different methodologies: self-report questionnaires for psychological and behavioral assessments, electroencephalography (EEG) for neural activation evaluation, and microbiota sequencing methods to examine microbiological alterations. Four studies have been combined: Study 1 includes psychological and behavioral analysis, examining the role of family attitudes, emotional well-being, and awareness in shaping antibiotic utilization; Study 2 focuses on neurological insights, utilizing EEG to uncover unconscious brain responses to health-related stimuli; Study 3 explores microbiota dynamics, investigating the impact of antibiotic use on vaginal microbiota and resistance genes presence; Study 4 aims to explore the gut-brain axis, observing the bidirectional interactions between gut microbiota and psychological changes during antibiotic therapy. The findings underscore the critical interplay between psychological factors and microbiota health, highlighting how emotional states and awareness influence antibiotic adherence and resistance development. By proposing a multidisciplinary approach, this thesis advocates for integrating psychological support, public health education, and microbiota-targeted interventions to combat antibiotic resistance effectively. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the psychological and microbiological dynamics at play, offering actionable insights for reducing the global burden of antibiotic resistance while paving the way for holistic health strategies.