Knowledge, Attitude, Perception and Practice of Antibiotics Usage Among
the Medical Students
Abstract
Background: Globally, the emergence of antibiotic/ antimicrobial
resistance became a tremendous public health concern. The inappropriate
practices of antibiotic usage have a profound impact on antibiotic/
antimicrobial resistance. Medical students are the future prescriber who
responsible for monitoring and counselling the patient on the antibiotic
usage pattern. Hence, it is crucial to explore their knowledge,
attitudes and perception pertaining to the use of antibiotics and AR.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the final year
medical students at a private medical university. A total of 41
questions with varying responses such as true or false, specific answer
type and Likert’s scale (5-point responses) were used in this study.
Results: Out of 130 questionnaires distributed, 113 responses were
received, and the response rate was 86.92%. Among the respondents, 95%
(101) had used antibiotics in the last year. Surprisingly, all the
students know that the full course of antibiotics should be taken and
finished as directed. Overall, the respondents demonstrated moderate to
good knowledge, attitudes, and perception on the use of antibiotics and
its resistance. Still, some of them are unaware of their roles and
responsibilities as a prescriber on antibiotic practice. Conclusion: In
the present study, medical students practice widespread use of
antibiotics for various illness and some accesses antibiotics without
prescription. There is an alarming situation as some medical students
did not know the exact role of healthcare providers on antibiotics usage
and the common terminologies used in routine practice. The study
provides a clear implication that more comprehensive training and
educations on antibiotics and its resistance need to include in the
medical curriculum to minimise antibiotics related complications.