Abstract:
BACKGROUND : The minibus-taxi community plays an integral role within society, and for years this community
has been neglected. Of late, studies on minibus-taxi operators’ health and their perceptions of HIV have
emerged. Antibiotic resistance is a global problemand to help curb its spread studies have looked into the knowledge,
attitude and perceptions amongst students and healthcare professionals, and yet little to nothing is
known about the minibus-taxi community.
OBJECTIVES : To assess the knowledge and understanding of the minibus-taxi community on antibiotics and antibiotic
resistance, and document indigenous antibiotic terminology used across the Tshwane District in Gauteng,
South Africa.
METHODS : A semi-structured questionnaire was adopted from WHO, translated into commonly spoken
languages and administered to 83 minibus-taxi community members: 27 minibus-taxi operators and 56
commuters. A convenience sampling method was utilized in selecting the minibus-taxi ranks and routes. The
questionnaire was later adapted to the minibus-taxi community’s busy lifestyle and a section added to document
antibiotic terms.
RESULTS : Seventy-one percent (n"59) of the participants knew the importance of taking antibiotics as directed,
while 64% (n"53) believed it’s correct to share antibiotics. Seventy-five percent (n"62) thought antibiotic resistance
occurred in the human body. One misconception noted was that the minibus-taxi community thought
antibiotics treated cold/flu and fever. Over 80% of the community were unfamiliar with antibiotic terminology.
CONCLUSIONS : Several misconceptions were documented amongst the minibus-taxi community and, whilst
highlighting the linguistic barriers for the term antibiotic resistance, we identified several enablers for public
awareness and empowerment. Further studies are required to define appropriate indigenous terms for future
educational antibiotic campaigns.
