Abstract

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES RELATED TO ANTIBIOTIC USE AMONG PHARMACY STUDENTS IN SOUTH INDIA

Chitra C. Nair*, Sunitha Mahadeven, Asheeta A., Hima C. S., Beena M. I. and Ajitha J.

Abstract

Antibiotics have been a crucial development in the evolution of medical treatment, effectively reducing the morbidity and mortality from bacterial diseases that were previously left untreated. However, antibiotic misuse is widespread and contributes to antibiotic resistance, especially in less regulated health systems such as India. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of Pharmacy students about usage and resistance of antibiotics in South India. A cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study was performed among pharmacy students. The study showed good knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of pharmacy students regarding antibiotic usage. Even though majority of the students had good knowledge related to antibiotic use, still there exist a controversy among students about antibiotics effectiveness in common cold, viral diseases and its association with emergence of resistance. 23.5% of students believed that antibiotics could cure cold, 34.1% assumed that antibiotics are effective against viral infections and 16.3% were unaware that unnecessary use of antibiotics could lead to antibacterial resistance. Students had good attitude towards antibiotic use as 67.4% of the students disagreed to preserve antibiotics for future use. But still 17% of students preferred to stock antibiotics and 26% of students had shared antibiotics with others. Also 33.3% discontinued antibiotics if symptoms do not improve. Even though students had good KAP towards antibiotic treatment, there exists a need for conducting awareness among pharmacy students to fill the gap, as they are the future health care professionals easily accessible and responsible to public health care.

Keywords: Antibiotics, Pharmacy students, KAP, Questionnaire.