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oa Evaluating knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antimicrobial use and resistance among a group of medical students
- Source: Journal of Emergency Medicine, Trauma and Acute Care, Volume 2024, Issue 5 - The 12th international scientific conference of Al-Nahrain University, Nov 2024, 7
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- 16 March 2024
- 24 May 2024
- 07 November 2024
Abstract
Background: Self-medication puts the benefits of antibiotics at risk. This has resulted in underdeveloped countries facing an increased economic burden, treatment failures, growth of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, and a higher population risk of exposure to and infection by such pathogens. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antimicrobial use and resistance among a group of final-year pharmacy students and medical students at universities in Baghdad, Iraq.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional and institution-based study conducted between September and November 2023. Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antibiotic use were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire.. In addition, the students were assessed on how they felt that their medical education had prepared them to become pharmacists and physicians after graduation.
Results: The total number of students was 642 (328 medicine and 314 pharmacy). The survey shows that although 94.7% of the students had good knowledge, only 65.4% of them actually practiced it. There was a significant (p < 0.05) difference in the total attitude score according to the gender of the participant. In other words, female participants had significantly higher positive attitudes than male participants. There was a significant (p < 0.05) difference in the total attitude, behavior, and practice scores according to the college type of the participants. In other words, pharmacy students had significantly higher total attitude, behavior, and practice scores than medical students.
Conclusion: The students’ level of knowledge was more than sufficient, but they need more education to improve their practice. Significant work still needs to be done to focus on improvements.