Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Antimicrobial Usage Among Undergraduate Medical Students in Universities and Institutes, Thamar, Yemen.

Abstract

Background: As future healthcare providers, medical students play a crucial role in the community. They are expected to prescribe antibiotics responsibly and educate patients about their proper use, which is essential in combating antibiotic resistance.

Objective: Our aim was to evaluate how undergraduate medical students in Thamar Governorate understand, perceive, and use antibiotics. This includes their knowledge of antibiotic resistance and their practices related to antibiotic use.

Methodology: Sample of 1000 medical students participated in a cross-sectional descriptive study. Which involved the use of a semi-structured survey questionnaire? Which featured both open-ended and closed-ended (multiple-choice) questions. The research team's modified questionnaire was completed by medical students themselves.

Results: Out of the total of 1000 participants, 600 provided information on their antibiotic usage. Females constituted 51.7% and 60.3% had completed undergraduate education. A 52.2% of participants showed a good understanding of antibiotic usage and 63% used antibiotics as antibacterial, while smaller percentages used them as antivirals (18%), antifungals (13%), or antiparasitic (6%). However, 65.8% identified the indiscriminate administration of antibiotics as the primary catalyst for bacterial resistance and 61.7% reported using the full dose of antibiotics as prescribed, and only 65% dispensed antibiotics with a prescription. However, 70.7% admitted to taking antibiotics based on a pharmacist's recommendation without a prescription.

Conclusion: This study showed that medical students have an overall positive attitude and very good awareness, knowledge, and practice regarding antibiotic usage, resistance, and dispensing. However, high percentage of the participants admitted obtaining the antibiotic without a prescription.