Public opinions and knowledge about microorganisms

ABSTRACT

Background

The microbiology should be a part of curricula; especially after epidemic COVID-19.

Purpose

The study reports the level of knowledge and opinions of Slovenian citizens about microorganisms.

Sample

The target population of the online survey was Slovenian citizens older than 14 years.

Design and methods

We collected 405 complete surveys, which structured with 47 knowledge items and 18 opinion items about microorganisms.

Results

We found a lack of knowledge among citizens and corresponding misconceptions about microorganisms. There were no statistically significant differences in citizens’ knowledge by age and gender, but citizens with higher educational attainment had better knowledge scores. Participants equate the terms virus, bacteria and microorganisms, an error that can lead to misconceptions. We found that between 15.0 and 20.0% of citizens experience fear of microorganisms. Regarding gender, age and degree level, there were statistically significant differences in participants’ opinions about microorganisms. 45.5% of the participants agreed that the topic of microorganisms is underrepresented in school. This is probably the reason why 44.2% of the participants are not interested in microbiology, although 74.6% are aware that knowledge about microorganisms is important and useful.

Conclusion

It would be good to strengthen the content and ways of working in the education system, because in case of a pandemic like SARS-CoV-2 there would be more understanding of what we are dealing with and less fear of the ignorant.

KEYWORDS:

• Bacteria
• opinions about microorganisms
• knowledge about microorganisms
• virus

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2021.1952407.