Comprehensive assessment of Indonesian Pharmacy Student’s knowledge and perceptions of nanotechnology and its practical applications in pharmaceutical sciences

Abstract

Integrating nanotechnology education within the pharmacy curricula is essential for advancing pharmaceutical sciences. Nanotechnology is a key to innovations in drug delivery systems, diagnostics, and therapeutics. This study aimed to assess the awareness and understanding of nanotechnology lectures among Indonesian pharmacy students and examine the influence of demographic factors such as gender, type of university, and educational levels. Performed as an observational cross-sectional study design, data were collected from 486 students across various Indonesian universities using a validated questionnaire. The results showed that most participants were young (97.5% aged 20–25) and female (78.0%), with most enrolled in private universities (56.3%) and undergraduate programs (90.0%). Awareness levels were generally low, with 55.3% reporting poor knowledge and 21.2% having no knowledge. Significant gender differences were observed with female students confirming lower awareness levels. Undergraduate students represented higher awareness compared to professional degree students. Primary sources of information included media, academic courses, and self-reading. The findings outline the urgent need for integrating comprehensive nanotechnology education into pharmacy curricula to better prepare students for future advancements. Addressing these educational gaps is essential to ensure that pharmacy graduates are well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of pharmaceutical sciences.