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Annals of Pharmacy Education, Safety, and Public Health Advocacy

2022 Volume 2

Assessment of Medical Students’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study


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  1. Pharmacy Practice Department, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Volta Region, Ho PMB 31, Ghana
  2. Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
  3. Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Garankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
  4. South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Garankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
  5. Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
  6. Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
Abstract

This research examines the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of medical students regarding antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), recognizing their pivotal role in addressing this escalating global health issue. Adopting a cross-sectional methodology, the study used an online survey tool to capture a wide range of perspectives related to antibiotics and AMR. Data collection spanned from January through April 2023, yielding 340 completed questionnaires, which were subjected to comprehensive statistical evaluation. The analysis revealed significant deficiencies in the KAP levels among participants, reflecting patterns observed internationally. Among the concerning findings were widespread misunderstandings—such as the erroneous notion that routine antibiotic use is harmless and the incorrect belief that adherence to prescriptions completely prevents antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, it was found that a significant proportion of respondents sourced antibiotics through informal and unauthorized means, including friends and family members. These findings underscore the pressing need for a transformative update to current medical curricula, emphasizing both the biological principles and the responsible application of antibiotics. This study highlights the urgent responsibility of academic institutions, decision-makers, and public health authorities to jointly fortify the preparedness of future healthcare professionals in combating the AMR threat.


How to cite this article
Vancouver
Sefah IA, Chetty S, Yamoah P, Meyer JC, Chigome A, Godman B, et al. Assessment of Medical Students’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study. Ann Pharm Educ Saf Public Health Advocacy. 2022;2:16-23. https://doi.org/10.51847/W7Qce5gHGM
APA
Sefah, I. A., Chetty, S., Yamoah, P., Meyer, J. C., Chigome, A., Godman, B., & Bangalee, V. (2022). Assessment of Medical Students’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study. Annals of Pharmacy Education, Safety, and Public Health Advocacy, 2, 16-23. https://doi.org/10.51847/W7Qce5gHGM

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