Survey on antibiotic knowledge and practices among second-year med students
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: A questionnaire based survey on the knowledge, attitude and practices about antibiotic usage and resistance among the second year medical students of a teaching tertiary care hospital
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Apoorva B.M., Kiran L.J., Divya Bade, Deepa Patil, Umakant N. Patil
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: A questionnaire based survey on the knowledge, attitude and practices about antibiotic usage and resistance among the second year medical students of a teaching tertiary care hospital
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20164-5829
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Antibiotics, celebrated as one of the greatest therapeutic advancements of the 20th century, have become increasingly misused, leading to a significant public health concern—antibiotic resistance. This study, conducted among second-year medical students in Davangere, Karnataka, aimed to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic usage and resistance. By evaluating these students, who are future prescribers, the research seeks to identify areas where educational interventions can be implemented to improve the safe and rational use of antibiotics.
Knowledge of Antibiotic Resistance
The survey revealed that the participants possessed a commendable level of knowledge regarding antibiotic resistance. All respondents recognized it as a critical global public health issue, and nearly 97% acknowledged the role of indiscriminate antibiotic usage in promoting resistance. Additionally, a vast majority (over 92%) understood that antibiotics should not be taken for common colds and that completing prescribed antibiotic courses is essential for treatment efficacy. However, there remains a significant gap between this knowledge and their personal medical practices, indicating room for improvement in how they apply this information.
Attitudes Towards Antibiotic Use
Despite their strong knowledge base, the attitudes exhibited by the students towards antibiotic usage were concerning. While the majority agreed that knowledge on rational antibiotic prescribing is essential, a notable portion (16%) still regarded antibiotics as inherently safe and suitable for common ailments. This perception can lead to the overuse of antibiotics, especially for viral infections. Furthermore, some students believed that missing doses would not contribute to resistance, highlighting a casual attitude towards medication adherence and the implications of such behavior.
Medical Practices Related to Antibiotics
The survey responses regarding medical practices painted a mixed picture. Although most respondents reported consulting a doctor before taking antibiotics and completing their prescribed courses, a substantial portion (40%) still preferred to self-medicate with antibiotics for minor ailments like sore throats. Additionally, many students indicated a tendency to save leftover antibiotics for future use, which could contribute to inappropriate antibiotic usage and resistance. This variance in practice underscores a need for a clearer understanding and adherence to guidelines regarding antibiotic medications.
Conclusion
This study underscores the pressing need for enhanced educational initiatives focusing not only on the knowledge of antibiotic resistance but also on the attitudes and practices of medical students. While the students exhibited a strong awareness of the issues surrounding antibiotic resistance, their practices and attitudes reflected a level of complacency that could jeopardize their future prescribing behaviors. Developing comprehensive educational programs that address these gaps is crucial for fostering responsible antibiotic use and ultimately mitigating the threat of antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings. Further research should expand to a broader population to gain comprehensive insights into antibiotic practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main focus of the study on medical students?
The study focused on assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding antibiotic usage and resistance among second-year medical students at a teaching tertiary care hospital.
Why is antibiotic resistance considered a significant public health issue?
Antibiotic resistance poses a growing threat to effective infection treatment, leading to increased medical complications and healthcare costs, thus it is recognized as a major public health concern.
What methods were used to gather data from medical students?
A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted, with validated questionnaires distributed to students in a pharmacology class to assess their knowledge and practices regarding antibiotics.
What did the survey reveal about students' knowledge on antibiotics?
The survey revealed that all participants acknowledged antibiotic resistance as a serious issue, with 96.8% understanding that indiscriminate use leads to resistance and most knew antibiotics aren't needed for common colds.
How did medical students' attitudes towards antibiotics vary in the study?
While most students recognized the importance of rational antibiotic use, some held casual attitudes, with a significant portion believing antibiotics are safe and should be commonly used.
What recommendations were made based on the study's findings?
The study recommended enhancing educational interventions on antibiotic usage for medical students to improve their attitudes and practices, emphasizing rational prescribing and understanding the implications of antibiotic resistance.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Survey on antibiotic knowledge and practices among second-year med students”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotics are crucial medications used to treat bacterial infections. Their misuse can lead to antibiotic resistance, which poses a significant public health threat. This research emphasizes the importance of understanding correct antibiotic use to foster safe prescribing practices among future medical practitioners, particularly emphasizing education on this subject.
2) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the understanding and awareness medical students have about antibiotic use and resistance. This study aimed to assess the knowledge level among second-year medical students, as a better grasp of these concepts is essential for promoting rational prescribing practices and combating the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.
3) Study (Studying):
The study conducted was a cross-sectional survey aimed at evaluating the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic usage among medical students. It highlights the importance of gathering such data to inform future educational interventions, ultimately aiming to improve the understanding and responsible use of antibiotics among healthcare professionals.
4) Drug:
The term drug refers to substances that are used to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent diseases. Antibiotics fall under this category, specifically designed to fight bacterial infections. The study underscores the critical role that knowledge and proper use of such drugs play in healthcare, preventing resistance.
5) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the study of drugs, their effects, mechanisms, and therapeutic uses. The research was conducted in a pharmacology department, highlighting its role in educating students about the importance of antibiotics and responsible prescribing practices, which are vital to public health.
6) Teaching:
Teaching encompasses the methods and practices used to impart knowledge to students. In the context of this study, effective teaching about antibiotics and their proper use is necessary to ensure that future doctors understand the implications of misuse and develop better practices to combat antibiotic resistance.
7) Karnataka:
Karnataka is a state in India where this study was conducted among medical students. The geographical context may influence local healthcare practices, including antibiotic prescribing. Understanding the regional aspects of antibiotic use and resistance is necessary to tailor educational initiatives aimed at enhancing medical students' knowledge in antibiotics.
8) Education:
Education is fundamental for improving awareness and understanding of antibiotic use and resistance. This research underscores the necessity of effective educational strategies for medical students to cultivate a deeper knowledge base, which can lead to responsible antibiotic prescribing behaviors critical in combating antimicrobial resistance.
9) Table:
In the context of this study, a table is used to display data collected from the survey. Tables facilitate the clear presentation of results regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical students regarding antibiotics, making it easier to analyze and draw conclusions on their understanding and behaviors.
10) Disease:
Disease refers to any condition that impairs normal bodily functions. Antibiotics are crucial in managing bacterial diseases; however, their improper use can exacerbate the issue of antibiotic resistance, ultimately leading to more significant health complications. The study indirectly addresses how diseases can become harder to treat through misuse.
11) Patil:
Patil is a surname that appears among the authors of the study, indicating collaboration in conducting research on antibiotic usage among medical students. The involvement of these researchers emphasizes the importance of teamwork in academic and clinical settings to advance knowledge in public health issues like antibiotic resistance.
12) Post:
The term post typically refers to a position or role. In this research context, it relates to postgraduate students involved in the study. The perspective of postgraduate medical students is crucial as they are further along in their training and can significantly influence the future of medical practices.
13) Perception:
Perception refers to how individuals interpret and understand their experiences and knowledge. This study examines the perceptions of medical students regarding antibiotic resistance and usage. Understanding their perceptions is vital for developing effective educational programs that address misconceptions and promote rational prescribing behavior in future clinicians.
14) Discussion:
Discussion in this study refers to the analysis and interpretation of the results obtained from the questionnaires filled by students. It is a critical component of research, as it allows the authors to explore the implications of their findings, draw conclusions, and suggest recommendations for future educational strategies.
15) Training:
Training refers to the systematic teaching of specific skills or knowledge. In the context of this research, it emphasizes the need for adequate training of medical students in antibiotic prescription practice. Proper training is necessary to ensure that future healthcare providers can combat antibiotic resistance effectively.
16) Divya:
Divya is one of the co-authors of the study, representing collaboration among multiple researchers. The involvement of various contributors highlights the importance of teamwork and diverse expertise in addressing complex health issues such as antibiotic usage and resistance in the medical community.
17) Rules:
Rules refer to the guidelines or principles governing the use and prescription of antibiotics. This study emphasizes the need for medical students to understand these rules deeply in order to foster responsible antibiotic prescribing habits, thereby combating the growing public health challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Survey on antibiotic knowledge and practices among second-year med students’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medical practice, Informed consent, Indiscriminate use, Cross-sectional study, Self medication, Antibiotic resistance, Response rate, Medical student, Antibiotic usage, Educational campaign, Survey results, Antimicrobial Drug, Educational Tool.