Assessing the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of Antimicrobial Resistant among MBBS, BDS and BSc Nursing Students in the Northern State of India. An Observational-based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The knowledge, attitude & Practice of antimicrobials use and resistance is very essential to combat global antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As there were many studies focused on MBBS undergraduates but none of these studies compared their outcome between two other major medical disciplines like BDS & BSc Nursing. Methods: It was an observational-based cross-sectional study, including 23 validated objectives based questionnaire. Out of 440 students, 359 students (94 MBBS, 52 BDS & 213 BSc Nursing) fulfilled the criteria and participated. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 for Chicago Inc. was used and considered for descriptive analyses. Results: More than 81% of all participants had adequate knowledge of AMR but in the case of sore throat and cold 50% BDS, 49.3% BSc Nursing opt antibiotics as the first choice of drugs as compared to 33% MBBS students. More than 81% of participants not willing to prescribe their choice of drug in the sickness of family members. Giving leftover antibiotics was higher among MBSS students than others. Conclusion: As we observed, even after completion of pharmacology more specifically, antibiotics & chemotherapy chapters in their courses many students didn’t understand what; where; when; and whom they can use antibiotics in real scenarios. We have to teach them the practicality of global emergence of AMR because these students going to become doctors, dentist, and nurses in various medical fields and will help to combat against global AMR.