Antimicrobial use and resistance: An assessment of tertiary institution students' knowledge, attitude, and practices in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a global health and development treat that requires urgent multisectoral action in order to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The menace of antimicrobial resistance has however only just become a significant public health issue in recent times due to a combination of the use patterns of antimicrobial agents and the rate of development of new, effective and unique antimicrobial agents. There is therefore need to ensure that efforts are madeto determine and improve the knowledge, attitude and practices about AMR among students in the country towards improved health outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among one thousand and twenty-four (1024) undergraduate and postgraduate students through administration of either electronic questionnaires (via a link to Google forms) or hard copy of the questionnaires depending on their choices. The data was then analyzed by descriptive analysis using one-way analysis of varianceANOVA. Results: Percentages of fully correct answers was between 18.0 – 83.0 % regarding knowledge to antibiotic use and resistance. The response on practice revealed that self-medication by the respondents was observed in 47.7 % while 60.2 % discontinued the antimicrobial medication as soon as they felt better. Conclusion: Most of the participants had fair knowledge on antimicrobial resistance however showedpoor attitude and practice towards drug use.