Investigation of knowledge and attitude levels regarding irrational antibiotic use among students in the faculty of health sciences

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to examine the drug use status of students at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) and the factors influencing it, to determine their behavior regarding the use of rational antibiotics, their knowledge and attitude levels regarding antibiotic use, as well as their subjective norms and intentions. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive research was conducted between January and March 2020 with students enrolled in the FHS Nursing, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, and Nutrition and Dietetics Departments at a foundation university in Gaziantep. The research population is 865 students, and the sample size is 581. A questionnaire consisting of 58 items was used to collect data AUS (Antibiotic Use Scale). Results: It was determined that 57.8% of students used analgesic without seeking professional help, 64.5% did not take antibiotics without consulting a physician, and 75.6% discontinued taking antibiotics once they felt better. It was discovered that more than half of the students (63.9%) retained their unused medicines at home, and that 66.4% of them continued to do so after they had not taken all of the pills. It was discovered that the students who received antibiotics while they were unwell and used antibiotics without consulting a physician had this mentality, were influenced by the people around them, and were committed to this problem (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was discovered that half of the students lacked awareness regarding rational antibiotic usage and did not demonstrate rational antibiotic usage habits. © 2024 by the Association of Public Health Specialist.