Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Antibiotic Use and Antimicrobial Resistance among Pharmacy Students at the University of Zambia: Implications for Antimicrobial Stewardship Programmes

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health problem affecting healthcare systems. There is little information on undergraduate pharmacy students' knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding antibiotic use (AMU) and AMR in Zambia. This study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practices on AMU and AMR among undergraduate pharmacy students at the University of Zambia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among172 randomly selected participants using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Results: Of the 172 total participants, 55.2% (n = 95) were male. Most participants were between 21 and 25 years old (n=110, 64 %). Most of the pharmacy students had good knowledge (n=155, 90% average score), positive attitude (n=145, 84% average score) but suboptimal practices (n=110, 64% average score) about AMU and AMR. Despite these good scores, the prevalence of self-medication using antibiotics was 41% (n=70).Conclusion: Undergraduate pharmacy students had good knowledge, and a positive attitude, but suboptimal practices towards AMU and AMR. A low-average practice score is of great concern and requires urgent attention. There is a need to improve the details of the undergraduate pharmacy curriculum regarding AMU, AMR and antimicrobial stewardship programmes.