Table 3 Results of the second factor analysis on the refuse-to-take items. Means and standard deviations. Cronbach’s alpha. Only four items for each factor – the ones with the highest loadings – are shown

... I wished, by prolonging my illness, that people keep being considerate to me.

... being ill was an opportunity to have company.

... I wished, by being ill, to keep being cared by my relatives.

... by keeping being ill, I could obtain important benefits.

… the abuse of antibiotics eases the process of bacterial resistance.

... the development of bacterial resistance constitutes a threat for future generations.

... I feared that the taking of antibiotics would reduce, in the long term, my natural defenses.

... I had learned that irresponsible taking of antibiotics facilitated mutations among bacteria, which consequences were unpredictable.

... I thought that my organism was able to defend itself alone.

... I considered that medicines were not needed for recovering.

... I considered that the illness was not severe enough.

... I was not confident in the prescribing physician.

... another physician had told me not to take them.

... I disagreed with the physician’s opinion.

... in general, I don’t trust physicians.

Explained variance

Percentage of explained variance

M

SD

Mean score > 8

Cronbach’s alpha