Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Antibiotics Use Among Medical Sector Final-Year Students in Egypt

Abstract

Introduction: Medical sector students must be well-educated and competent to spread public awareness of antibiotics among the public to combat antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of students regarding antibiotic use and resistance in Egypt. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire was specially designed and self-administered by final-year students (medicine (MS), pharmacy (PS), dentistry (DS), and nursing (NS)) during the last semester at nine universities. Results: Among 1250 recruited students, with an 89% response rate, PS and MS showed the highest knowledge level, whereas NS scored the lowest. The study revealed some misconceptions and malpractices among students. Two-thirds of PS and NS, half of DS, and a third of MS believed antibiotics treat sore throats. Sixty percent of NS and DS were unaware that vancomycin treats methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Over half of MS and NS and a third of DS and PS lacked knowledge of amoxicillin safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The prevalence of antibiotics self-medication (ABSM) was highest among PS (30%), followed by NS (27%) and DS (25%), while MS reported the lowest rate (16.6%). One-third of students preferred to use newer and more expensive antibiotics. Seven percent of the students used the local guidelines, 12% used the international guidelines as sources of information, and only 8% received relevant formal training. Conclusions: The study found misconceptions and injudicious antibiotic use among medical sector students. Effective educational interventions and relevant training are needed to enhance their KAP on rational antibiotic use to minimize antibiotic resistance.