Assessing the Awareness, Attitude, and Knowledge of Senior Pharmacy Students in Jordanian Universities Regarding Antibiotic Use and Resistance: A Study of the Medical Curriculum

Abstract

Inappropriate antibiotic usage is a critical issue in many countries, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where access to antibiotics may be easier but proper prescribing and use practices are often lacking. This can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, which poses a significant threat to global public health. The research on assessing the awareness, attitude, and knowledge of senior pharmacy students in Jordanian universities regarding antibiotic use and resistance can have several impacts. Firstly, it can shed light on the current level of knowledge and awareness among pharmacy students, who are future healthcare professionals, and identify any gaps or misconceptions that need to be addressed through education and training programs. Secondly, the research findings can be used to develop targeted interventions to improve appropriate antibiotic use and reduce the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance in Jordan and potentially other countries with similar contexts. Finally, the study can contribute to the growing body of knowledge on antibiotic resistance and help inform global efforts to address this critical public health issue. This study aimed to assess the awareness, attitude, and knowledge of senior pharmacy students in Jordanian universities in relation to antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance (AR). A proportionate random sampling method was employed, and a questionnaire was administered to 400 final-year pharmacy students from three universities in the northern region of Jordan over a period of six months (6/3/2022- 11/3/2022). The data was distributed electronically using emails, and Excel was used for data analysis. The findings revealed that the pharmacy students displayed a high level of knowledge (mean score of 86.5%), positive attitude (mean score of 87.2%), and responsible behavior towards antibiotic use, indicative of their awareness and understanding of the risks of AR. The statistical methods used to analyze the data included descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as t-tests and ANOVA. The study also identified some areas of potential improvement, such as enhancing knowledge about antibiotic resistance mechanisms and the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics. To address these gaps, targeted educational interventions can be developed to empower pharmacy students to promote appropriate antibiotic use and minimize the emergence of antibiotic resistance.