Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Antibiotics Use and Its Resistance among Medical Students in a Tertiary Care Hospital

INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance is an urgent and serious global health problem, demanding considerable attention from health care professionals worldwide. The unavoidable consequence of widespread use of these agents has been the reason for emergence of antibiotic resistant pathogens, leading to increase in need for new drugs. This study aims to access knowledge, attitude and practice towards antibiotics use and its resistance in undergraduate medical students. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 228 undergraduate medical students studying in a tertiary care hospital in February, 2018. Data was collected through self administered questionnaire and was entered in Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out to find out knowledge, attitude and practice on antibiotics use and its resistance on medical students. RESULTS: The mean knowledge, attitude and practice score towards antibiotics use among students was 7.44±1.26, 3.35±1.12 and 5.06±1.45 respectively. Out of total students, only 39 (17.1%) had good knowledge and practice whereas 114 (50%) had good attitude towards antibiotics use. Approximately, all 224 (98.2%) students were aware that antibiotics are useful for bacterial infection. Fifty two (22.8%) students said that antibiotics are safe drugs, therefore, can be used commonly. CONCLUSIONS: Although half of the students had good attitude, majority had moderate knowledge and practice towards antibiotics use. Adequate educational training should be provided to future doctors regarding proper prescribing, dispensing and usage of antibiotics.