Microbiology literacy and its influence on knowledge, perceptions and community attitudes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21009/biosferjpb.49273Keywords:
Attitude, Microbial knowledge, Microbiological literacy, Public perceptionAbstract
Microbiology literacy development shapes people's attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions toward microorganisms. This study aims to explore the relationship between microbiological literacy and people's perceptions and attitudes towards microorganisms. This study uses the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method to analyze the relationship between microbiological literacy and public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of microorganisms. Data were retrieved from Scopus using relevant keywords and then filtered based on the following criteria: published between 2019–2024, in English, and open access. The analysis was conducted through four steps: coding, concept review, and summarizing key information (author, year, and core concepts). The results were synthesized to map the relationship between microbiological literacy and public perceptions. The results showed that respondents' knowledge levels varied about various health issues. Good microbiological knowledge can improve health literacy, affecting individual attitudes and perceptions of health. Regarding respondents' attitudes, it is known that respondents are interested in education and health awareness. A positive attitude toward health can encourage actions that support public health. In contrast, individuals with low microbiology knowledge orientation are more likely to cause negative perceptions and distrust of health interventions. Continuous, evidence-based education is essential to improve microbiology and health literacy and shape positive attitudes toward health interventions. Microbiology knowledge has a broad impact on daily life and the future. However, there are significant challenges in understanding microbiology. Public perception of microbes is often only associated with 'germs' and negative images. Therefore, microbiology knowledge in learning must be presented in visual arts and visual, olfactory, and tactile experiences. The more we understand the role and knowledge of microbes, the better we can make relevant decisions.
References
Abramczyk, B., Ławicki, S., Pyter, W., Bluszcz, A., Piszczek, I., Audycki, J., & Pawłowska, J. (2023). Microbiological Awareness Among Upper-Secondary School Students In The Context Of Covid-19 Vaccination. Journal of Baltic Science Education, 22(5), 749–766. https://doi.org/10.33225/jbse/23.22.749
Abu-Humaidan, A. H. A., Alrawabdeh, J. A., Theeb, L. S., Hamadneh, Y. I., & Omari, M. B. (2021). Evaluating knowledge of human microbiota among university students in Jordan, an online cross-sectional survey. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(24). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413324
Adkins, S. J., Rock, R. K., & Morris, J. J. (2018). Interdisciplinary STEM education reform: Dishing out art in a microbiology laboratory. FEMS Microbiology Letters, 365(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1093/femsle/fnx245
Alqaydi, T. K., Bedir, A. S., Abu-Elsaoud, A. M., El-Tarabily, K. A., & Al Raish, S. M. (2024). An Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Probiotics and Prebiotics among the Population of the United Arab Emirates. Foods, 13(14). https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13142219
Amo-Adjei, J. (2016). Individual, household and community level factors associated with keeping tuberculosis status secret in Ghana. BMC Public Health, 16(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-3842-y
Arksey, H., & O’Malley, L. (2005). Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8(1), 19–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/1364557032000119616
Asekun-Olarinmoye, E. O., Akinwusi, P. O., Adebimpe, W. O., Omisore, A. G., Isawumi, M. A., Hassan, M. B., Olowe, O. A., Makanjuola, O. B., Abiodun, O. M., Olaitan, J. O., Olaitan, P. B., Alebiosu, C. O., & Adewole, T. A. (2014). Perceptions and use of antimicrobials among staff of a university community in Southwestern Nigeria. SAGE Open, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244014529778
Azevedo, M. M., Ricardo, E., Teixeira Dos Santos, R., Pina-Vaz, C., & Rodrigues, A. G. (2020). “Filling a gap: knowledge in health related science for middle school students in formal and informal contexts. Journal of Biological Education, 54(2), 129–146. https://doi.org/10.1080/00219266.2018.1546764
Balcı, U. G., Sofuoğlu, Z., & Merder, D. (2024). The relationship between health literacy and adherence to personal protective anti-COVID-19 measures in health workers and their relatives A mixed methods design. Medicine (United States), 103(24), e38505. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000038505
Bechini, A., Moscadelli, A., Sartor, G., Shtylla, J., Guelfi, M. R., Bonanni, P., & Boccalini, S. (2019). Impact assessment of an educational course on vaccinations in a population of medical students. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, 60(3), E171–E177. https://doi.org/10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2019.60.3.1201
Behnaz, F., Mohammadzade, G., Mousavi-e-roknabadi, R. S., & Mohammadzadeh, M. (2014). Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding tuberculosis among final year students in Yazd, central Iran. Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health, 4(2), 81–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jegh.2013.09.003
Brandriet, A. R., Ward, R. M., & Bretz, S. L. (2013). Modeling meaningful learning in chemistry using structural equation modeling. Chemistry Education Research and Practice, 14(4), 421–430. https://doi.org/10.1039/c3rp00043e
Ç akar, Z. P., Redfern, J., & Verran, J. (2021). Analysis of university student responses to the pandemic in a formal microbiology assessment. FEMS Microbiology Letters, 368(14). https://doi.org/10.1093/femsle/fnab091
Ceylan, G., Eken, M. O., Yuruk, S., & Emir, F. (2023). Examining the Influence of Self-Esteem and Digital Literacy on Professional Competence Factors in Dental Education: A Cross-Sectional Study. Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 13(16). https://doi.org/10.3390/app13169411
Chan, C. L., Lee, R., Goh, L. I., Chong, N. H. K., Lee, L. N., & Ch’ng, J.-H. (2024). Student feedback guides the development of a microbiome card game “No Guts No Glory.” Asia Pacific Scholar, 9(3), 50–54. https://doi.org/10.29060/TAPS.2024-9-3/SC3107
Crispim, J. S., Vaz, M. G. M. V., Pereira, K. F., Da Silva, J. D., Duarte, V. D. S., Sanches, N. M., Mantovani, H. C., Teresinha Dos Santos, M., Peluzio, L. E., Karla Dos Santos, J., & De Paula, S. O. (2021). Teaching-learning: A mutual exchange between high school and graduate students in the field of microbiology. FEMS Microbiology Letters, 368(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1093/femsle/fnaa199
Critchley, H. O. D., Babayev, E., Bulun, S. E., Clark, S., Garcia-Grau, I., Gregersen, P. K., Kilcoyne, A., Kim, J.-Y. J., Lavender, M., Marsh, E. E., Matteson, K. A., Maybin, J. A., Metz, C. N., Moreno, I., Silk, K., Sommer, M., Simon, C., Tariyal, R., Taylor, H. S., … Griffith, L. G. (2020). Menstruation: science and society. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 223(5), 624–664. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2020.06.004
Debrah, J. K., Vidal, D. G., & Dinis, M. A. P. (2021). Raising awareness on solid waste management through formal education for sustainability: A developing countries evidence review. Recycling, 6(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling6010006
DeSalle, R., Wikins, J., & Kennett, R. (2022). A kiosk survey of perception, attitudes and knowledge (PAK) of Australians concerning microbes, antibiotics, probiotics and hygiene. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 33(3), 838–851. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.530
Fatton, M., Schneiter, A., Allisiardi, M., Hänni, L., Hauser, G., Gonçalves-Fernandes, Y., Pessina, A., Pijnenburg, M.-L., Vaudroz, C., Bshary, A., Bindschedler, S., & Junier, P. (2021). Microbes Go to School: Using Microbiology and Service-Learning to Increase Science Awareness and Fostering the Relationship Between Universities and the General Public. Frontiers in Education, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2021.735297
Fava GA, Cosci F, Sonino N, G. J. (2023). Understanding Health Attitudes and Behavior. The American Journal of Medicine, 136(2), 252–259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2022.10.019
Fidiastuti, H. R., Lestari, S. R., , S., & Prabaningtyas, S. (2024). Developing microbiology literacy in biology education college: future teacher candidates. Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education, July. https://doi.org/10.1128/jmbe.00035-24
Fonseca, M. J., Santos, C. L., Costa, P., Lencastre, L., & Tavares, F. (2012). Increasing Awareness about Antibiotic Use and Resistance: A Hands-On Project for High School Students. PLoS ONE, 7(9). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0044699
Foster, P. J. I., Laverty, A. A., & Filippidis, F. T. (2022). Perceptions of the safety of vaccines and vaccine associated knowledge levels in Europe: A 2019 cross-sectional study in 28 countries. Preventive Medicine, 159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107071
Gallagher, M., Kanngieser, A., & Prior, J. (2017). Listening geographies: Landscape, affect and geotechnologies. Progress in Human Geography, 41(5), 618–637. https://doi.org/10.1177/0309132516652952
Gardner, J., Perry, C., & Cervantes, J. (2024). Igniting children’s enthusiasm for microbes with an origami paper microscope. Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1128/jmbe.00151-23
Guo, H., Lim, H. Y., & Chow, A. (2022). Health Information Orientation Profiles and Their Association with Knowledge of Antibiotic Use in a Population with Good Internet Access: A Cross-Sectional Study. Antibiotics, 11(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11060769
Jeffery, E., Nomme, K., Deane, T., Pollock, C., & Birol, G. (2016). Investigating the role of an inquiry-based biology lab course on student attitudes and views toward science. CBE Life Sciences Education, 15(4). https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.14-11-0203
Joji, R. M., Kumar, A. P., Almarabheh, A., Dar, F. K., Deifalla, A. H., Tayem, Y., Ismaeel, A. Y., Bindayna, K., Tabbara, K. S., Farid, E., Shadab, M., Al Mahmeed, A., & Shahid, M. (2022). Perception of online and face to face microbiology laboratory sessions among medical students and faculty at Arabian Gulf University: a mixed method study. BMC Medical Education, 22(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-022-03346-2
Jovel, J., Dieleman, L. A., Kao, D., Mason, A. L., & Wine, E. (2018). The Human Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease. In Metagenomics: Perspectives, Methods, and Applications (pp. 197–213). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-102268-9.00010-0
Karayanni, H., Motsiou, E., Sapountzi, V., Meggou, L., Pagkoutsou, M., Triantafyllidi, A., Markouti, A.-K., Zervou, S., Anastasopoulos, S., & Efthimiou, G. (2024). Microbes and us: microbiology literacy in Greece. FEMS Microbiology Letters, 371. https://doi.org/10.1093/femsle/fnae008
Karadon, H. D., & Şahin, N. (2010). Primary school students’ basic knowledge, opinions and risk perceptions about microorganisms. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2(2), 4398–4401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.03.700
Kurniawan, D. A., Putri, Y. E., Jannah, N., & Puspitasari, T. O. (2019). Perception and attitudes toward science: condition of students in learning natural sciences in indonesia. International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research, 8(10), 2293–2298. http://dx.doi.org/10.32591/coas.ojer.0301.01001a
Lacey, K., & Wall, J. G. (2021). Video-based learning to enhance teaching of practical microbiology. FEMS Microbiology Letters, 368(2). https://doi.org/10.1093/femsle/fnaa203
Lastrucci, V., Lorini, C., Riccio, M. D., Gori, E., Chiesi, F., Moscadelli, A., Zanella, B., Boccalini, S., Bechini, A.,
Puggelli, F., Berti, R., Bonanni, P., & Bonaccorsi, G. (2021). The role of health literacy in covid-19 preventive behaviors and infection risk perception: Evidence from a population-based sample of essential frontline workers during the lockdown in the province of prato (tuscany, italy). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(24). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413386
Lin, K. S., Kyaw, C. S., Sone, Y. P., & Win, S. Y. (2017). Knowledge on tuberculosis among the members of a rural community in Myanmar. International Journal of Mycobacteriology, 6(3), 274–280. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_89_17
Lloyd, M. L., & Berry, J. A. (2022). Improving public understanding of microorganisms by integrating microbiology concepts into science teaching throughout the education system. In Importance of Microbiology Teaching and Microbial Resource Management for Sustainable Futures (pp. 107–133). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-818272-7.00003-1
Maghfiroh, H., Zubaidah, S., Mahanal, S., & Susanto, H. (2023). A Systematic Review of Genetic Literacy Interventions in Secondary Schools. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2569(January). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0112439
McGenity, T. J., Gessesse, A., Hallsworth, J. E., Garcia Cela, E., Verheecke-Vaessen, C., Wang, F., Chavarría, M., Haggblom, M. M., Molin, S., Danchin, A., Smid, E. J., Lood, C., Cockell, C. S., Whitby, C., Liu, S.-J., Keller, N. P., Stein, L. Y., Bordenstein, S. R., Lal, R., … Timmis, K. (2020). Visualizing the invisible: class excursions to ignite children’s enthusiasm for microbes. Microbial Biotechnology, 13(4), 844–887. https://doi.org/10.1111/1751-7915.13576
Mitsou, E. K., Katsagoni, C. N., & Janiszewska, K. (2024). Attitudes and Practices of Dietitians Regarding Gut Microbiota in Health—An Online Survey of the European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD). Nutrients, 16(15). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152452
Montuori, P., Gentile, I., Fiorilla, C., Sorrentino, M., Schiavone, B., Fattore, V., Coscetta, F., Riccardi, A., Villani, A., Trama, U., Pennino, F., Triassi, M., & Nardone, A. (2023). Understanding Factors Contributing to Vaccine Hesitancy in a Large Metropolitan Area. Vaccines, 11(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11101558
Morra, C. N., Adkins-Jablonsky, S. J., Barnes, M. E., Pirlo, O. J., Almehmi, S. E., Convers, B. J., Dang, D. L., Howell, M. L., Fleming, R., & Raut, S. A. (2022). Expert-Led Module Improves Non-STEM Undergraduate Perception of and Willingness to Receive COVID-19 Vaccines. Frontiers in Public Health, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.816692
Motoki, K., Saito, T., & Takano, Y. (2021). Scientific Literacy Linked to Attitudes Toward COVID-19 Vacacinations: A Pre-Registered Study. Frontiers in Communication, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomm.2021.707391
Naoe, A. M. de L., Peluzio, J. M., Naoe, L. K., Campos, L. J. M., & Júnior, W. P. de O. (2019). Path Analysis in Soybean Under Drought Stress and Co-inoculated With Azospirillum brasilense. Journal of Agricultural Science, 11(3), 311. https://doi.org/10.5539/jas.v11n3p311
Ornago, E., Sala, E., & Zaninelli, M. (2022). The role of health literacy in the healthcare decision-making process. Medical Writing, 31(1), 44–47. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85128280940&partnerID=40&md5=2c00167fc65fc57e80b824d954790f2d
Peerson, A., & Saunders, M. (2009). Health literacy revisited: What do we mean and why does it matter? Health Promotion International, 24(3), 285–296. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/dap014
Precup, G., Pocol, C. B., Teleky, B.-E., & Vodnar, D. C. (2022). Awareness, Knowledge, and Interest about Prebiotics— A Study among Romanian Consumers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031208
Puspitasari, I. M., Garnisa, I. T., Sinuraya, R. K., & Witriani, W. (2020). Perceptions, knowledge, and attitude toward mental health disorders and their treatment among students in an Indonesian University. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 13, 845–854. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S274337
Ruiz-Gallardo, J.-R., & Paños, E. (2018). Primary school students’ conceptions about microorganisms. Influence of theoretical and practical methodologies on learning. Research in Science and Technological Education, 36(2), 165–184. https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2017.1386646
Saeed, H., Ali, K., Nabeel, M., Rasool, M. F., Islam, M., Hashmi, F. K., Saeed, A., & Saleem, Z. (2023). Knowledge, Attitudes, Perceptions, and Acceptance of COVID-a19 Vaccination among Pharmacy and Non-Pharmacy Students. Vaccines, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11010176
Scalas, D., Roana, J., Mandras, N., Cuccu, S., Banche, G., Marra, E. S., Collino, N., Piersigilli, G., Allizond, V., Tullio, V., & Cuffini, A. M. (2017). The Microbiological@mind project: a public engagement initiative of Turin University bringing microbiology and health education into primary schools. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 50(4), 588–592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2017.05.008
Scavone, P., Carrasco, V., Umpiérrez, A., Morel, M., Arredondo, D., & Amarelle, V. (2019). Microbiology can be comic. FEMS Microbiology Letters, 366(14). https://doi.org/10.1093/femsle/fnz171
Špernjak, A., Jug Puhmeister, A., & Šorgo, A. (2023). Public opinions and knowledge about microorganisms. Research in Science and Technological Education, 41(2), 800–818. https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2021.1952407
Thomson, J. J., Relich, E. E., Girdwood, J. R., & Byrappagari, D. (2022). Microbiology-Based Instruction during Prenatal Dental Visits Improves Perinatal Oral Health Literacy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052633
Timmis, K. (2023). A Road to Microbiology Literacy (and More): an Opportunity for a Paradigm Change in Teaching. Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1128/jmbe.00019-23
Timmis, K., Cavicchioli, R., Garcia, J. L., Nogales, B., Chavarría, M., Stein, L., McGenity, T. J., Webster, N., Singh, B. K., Handelsman, J., de Lorenzo, V., Pruzzo, C., Timmis, J., Martín, J. L. R., Verstraete, W., Jetten, M., Danchin, A., Huang, W., Gilbert, J., … Harper, L. (2019). The urgent need for microbiology literacy in society. Environmental Microbiology, 21(5), 1513–1528. https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.14611
Trilling, D., & Jonkman, J. G. F. (2018). Scaling up Content Analysis. Communication Methods and Measures, 12(2–3), 158–174. https://doi.org/10.1080/19312458.2018.1447655
Van Goethem, N., Struelens, M. J., De Keersmaecker, S. C. J., Roosens, N. H. C., Robert, A., Quoilin, S., Van Oyen, H., & Devleesschauwer, B. (2020). Perceived utility and feasibility of pathogen genomics for public health practice: A survey among public health professionals working in the field of infectious diseases, Belgium, 2019. BMC Public Health, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09428-4
Verran, J. (2021). Using fiction to engage audiences with infectious disease: The effect of the coronavirus pandemic on participation in the Bad Bugs Bookclub. FEMS Microbiology Letters, 368(12). https://doi.org/10.1093/femsle/fnab072
Walpole, E., Dunn, N., Youl, P., Harden, H., Furnival, C., Moore, J., Taylor, K., Evans, E., & Philpot, S. (2020). Nonbreast cancer incidence, treatment received and outcomes: Are there differences in breast screening attendees versus nonattendees? International Journal of Cancer, 147(3), 856–865. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.32821
Yaseen, S., Javeria, F., Khan, S. H., Ahmad, A., Rehman, S. U., Imran, M., Riaz, H., & Khan, Z. (2024). Nanoencapsulation of rhizobacteria. In Nanofertilizer Delivery, Effects and Application Methods (pp. 149–171). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-13332-9.00002-2
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Biosfer: Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The Authors submitting a manuscript do so on the understanding that if accepted for publication, copyright of the article shall be assigned to Biosfer: Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi (Biosferjpb) and Departement of Biology Education, Universitas Negeri Jakarta as publisher of the journal.
