Attitudes toward antibiotic use were evaluated through twelve questions, including statements such as trusting a physician’s decision when choosing not to prescribe antibiotics and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use. The questionnaire also included items on awareness of antibiotic side effects, the consequences of overuse leading to resistance, and the misconception that resistance is trivial or solely related to allergies. A content validity ration (CVR) was calculated for each domain, and all domains reported 0.73 for knowledge domain, 0.68 for attitude domain, and 0.76 for practice domain for Cronbach alpha coefficient score. By evaluating these factors, the findings can inform targeted educational interventions to promote responsible antibiotic practices, align with national antimicrobial stewardship goals, and mitigate AR spread.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of antibiotic use among students in a Ghanaian tertiary institution
While our study primarily focused on university students within Riyadh, we acknowledge that nationality could indeed play a role. Students from literary fields were the most likely to have insufficient knowledge, attitudes, and practices, while those in science and engineering showed better outcomes. While overall awareness and behavior appear positive, nearly four in ten students lack proper understanding and engagement in AR practices. The study converted all antibiotic-related knowledge, attitude, and practice scores into percentages to standardize scoring and classify proficiency levels.
- This study used Pearson’s Chi-Square test to explore the relationship between antibiotic knowledge, attitudes, and practices and demographic factors, after confirming the test’s assumptions, notably that expected cell frequencies were above five.
- This in-person approach ensured direct participant engagement, comprehensive responses, and efficient data collection.
- For example, while many refrain from sharing leftover antibiotics—considered a positive behavior—negative attitudes toward antibiotic use persist.
- The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
- In terms of university affiliation, IMSU had the highest representation, with 54.0% of participants.
3.2. Data Collection Instrument
The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Targeted education is crucial to improve antibiotic awareness, especially among specific demographics. First, the reliance on self-reported data introduces risks of recall bias (e.g., inaccuracies in recalling past antibiotic use) and social desirability bias (over reporting adherence to guidelines), potentially compromising the validity of responses. These elements collectively strengthen insights into antibiotic awareness in an understudied demographic. Key strengths include a robust, gender-balanced sample of non-medical Riyadh students, enhancing statistical power and representativeness. The results advocate for tailored educational programs to enhance antibiotic awareness, particularly in demographics where age, gender, and academic discipline significantly influence outcomes.
The effective sample size calculated was 334; however, a larger sample size of 501 students was eventually included in the study, yielding approximately 1.5 times the initial sample size projection (1.5 design effect). Verbal informed consent was obtained from all participants, detailing the study’s purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits. These deficiencies in health literacy and antibiotic education underscore the urgent need for targeted educational interventions .
Links to NCBI Databases
A convenience sampling was employed to select participants based on accessibility and willingness to participate on campus, continuing until the required sample size was met. The sample was then proportionally allocated to each university. A multistage sampling method was used, first stratifying Riyadh universities as public or private (three universities for each). This study adhered to strict ethical guidelines. These findings highlight the pressing need for sustained antimicrobial stewardship efforts and strict enforcement of antibiotic regulations to mitigate the growing threat of AMR in the region.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of antibiotic use among students in a Ghanaian tertiary institution
Participants scoring above 60% were deemed to have adequate KAP, whereas those at or below this threshold were categorized as having insufficient understanding or behaviors in antibiotic use. Knowledge-related questions were scored with a binary system, where incorrect or uncertain https://www.betsomnia-nl.nl/ (“don’t know”) responses received a score of 0, while correct answers were awarded 1 point. Domains with less than 0.07 were reviewed carefully, and targeted questions were modified or deleted accordingly. It was piloted among 5% of the sample (35 students). Data collection was conducted from 4 September to 19 October 2023 by a team of trained students from the College of Medicine at AlMaarefa University, who followed standardized protocols for accuracy and consistency. This in-person approach ensured direct participant engagement, comprehensive responses, and efficient data collection.
While these trends align with regional studies, they contrast with European data 15,16,40,50,51, likely reflecting cultural or institutional differences in health education. Factors such as cultural health beliefs, access to healthcare information, and variations in national health policies could all contribute to differences in awareness. In our Riyadh-based sample, participants were predominantly Saudi nationals, reflecting the local university demographics. Age is one factor linked to less responsible antibiotic behaviors, suggesting certain groups are more prone to misuse. Inappropriate antibiotic use, which is concerning, fuels antibiotic resistance. Since 2018, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has enforced regulations under the Health Practice Law, prohibiting pharmacists from dispensing antibiotics without a valid prescription from a licensed physician.
- Risky behaviors—such as self-medication and sharing antibiotics without prescriptions—were widespread, revealing a mismatch between partial awareness and actual practices 13,45,46,47,48,49.
- The attitude and practice sections utilized a five-point Likert scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree), with responses scored from 1 (least appropriate) to 5 (most appropriate).
- This study found that non-medical students at Riyadh universities demonstrate strong awareness of antibiotic use information sources, with 76% relying primarily on physicians—a rate markedly higher than the 38% observed among Malaysian university students .
- Combining prevention and response interventions is essential for effective control in healthcare settings .
- Collectively, the findings emphasize the need for targeted educational campaigns to improve antibiotic stewardship, addressing misconceptions and promoting responsible use within this population.
A national study on Gram-positive bacteria in Saudi Arabia revealed alarming resistance trends. The NAP is structured around five sub-committees dedicated to raising awareness, monitoring resistance patterns, strengthening infection control, optimizing antibiotic use, and advancing research. This comprehensive strategy aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Action Plan and focuses on multi-sectoral collaboration, evidence-based interventions, and enhancing awareness of AMR among both the public and healthcare professionals 6,7. The primary source of information on antibiotics was healthcare professionals, particularly doctors.
The findings in Table 2 indicate that the majority of university students demonstrated sufficient knowledge (59.1%), positive attitude (60.0%), and appropriate practice (60.6%) regarding antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward AR among non-medical university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and identify factors that influence antibiotic use. Association between sociodemographic characteristics and sufficient knowledge, attitude, and practice of antibiotics among university students.
As an integral and educated segment of society, students influence public health behaviors and community practices. A literature review identified only three studies on antibiotic KAP among healthcare students 9,10,11, with no published research on non-medical university students in Saudi Arabia 28,29,30. Public health campaigns should prioritize the 17–24 age group, as university students represent a pivotal demographic shaping health behaviors, yet are often excluded from antibiotic stewardship initiatives. Risky behaviors—such as self-medication and sharing antibiotics without prescriptions—were widespread, revealing a mismatch between partial awareness and actual practices 13,45,46,47,48,49.
Females had 65.8% higher odds of demonstrating a positive attitude toward AR prevention, compared to males, and 52% higher odds of adopting appropriate practices than males. Abstract Introduction Antibiotic misuse is a growing global concern as it exacerbates antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and in Ghana, antibiotic misuse persists. The focus on non-medical students addressed literature gaps, while standardized, WHO-aligned questions minimized variability and improved global comparability. Students in science and engineering disciplines demonstrated stronger knowledge and more responsible practices than peers in other fields, underscoring the influence of scientific training in curricula.
This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article. (Abdulmohsen Alhussain) analyzed the data and concluded. (Abdulmohsen Alhussain)) contributed to gathering and organizing the data.