Knowledge about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance among health-related students in a Saudi University

Abstract

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance is a threat to public health and safety globally. The inadequate undergraduate education on antibiotic stewardship may contribute to the clinical malpractice of antibiotics, causing serious consequences toward patient health. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of future healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia on antibiotics, antibiotic use, and antibiotic resistance. The factors influencing the students’ knowledge were also determined.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study using a survey questionnaire was carried out among 284 Clinical Laboratory Science, Nursing, and Pharmacy students in Saudi Arabia from January to April 2019. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify the factors influencing the students’ knowledge regarding antibiotics, antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance.

Results: The study found that students have above-average knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance, whereas their knowledge of antibiotic use was inadequate. Several factors, including gender, program, academic level, awareness about antibiotic resistance, attendance to seminars/training, and belief on the seriousness of antibiotic resistance problem, affect students’ knowledge. The findings suggest that the knowledge of students in these areas should be improved.

Conclusions: Misconceptions are prominent in certain areas, such as in the concept of antibiotics and their uses. The findings prompt immediate interventions to improve students’ knowledge of antibiotics and resistance. Curricular contents must be reviewed and enhanced to suit the specific learning needs of students in terms of these concepts.