Knowledge, attitude, and awareness of antibiotic resistance among medical students

Abstract

Background: There is a rising trend in antibiotic use and misuse which contributes to antibiotic resistance. Objective: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and awareness of antibiotic resistance among medical students. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on medical students of all years (year 1–5) in a private university of Malaysia coincide with the “Antibiotic Awareness Week” of the World Health Organization. Results: Students in the clinical phase of their training had more awareness than the preclinical phase on the consumption of antibiotics over the counter without prescription (P = 0.008). Students of both the phases responded differently when asked whether the newer antibiotics were more effective in treating infection (P = 0.022). Only 43.5% of year 4 and 42.3% of year 5 students were aware (P = 0.036) about Antibiotic Awareness Week. Conclusion: The study concludes that medical students should have in-depth knowledge about antibiotic resistance and its underlying mechanisms to prevent the misuse of antibiotics.