Global insights of AMR education within One Health

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Amidst rising concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR), traditional educational models fall short in addressing the complexities of AMR which spans environmental, animal, and human health. Education plays a key role in equipping students with skills to combat AMR effectively. We analyzed the difference in knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding AMR across medical, dental, and veterinary students, in relation to the quality of AMR education they receive. Methods Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched for articles related to KAP and education until 3 August 2023. The inclusion criterion was the presence of KAP data related to AMR, and details on the AMR education curriculum. Meta-analysis is currently being performed. Results We retrieved 1301 articles, and 90 articles met inclusion criteria for final analysis. Articles spanned 42 countries, first to final year, sample sizes ranging from <100 to > 3000 participants. Across medicine and dentistry, 79% of studies were done, compared to 17% in the veterinary sector and 5% that adopted a One Health approach. HICs prioritize improving current educational frameworks with practical skills and innovative teaching methods. LMICs deal with challenges like raising awareness about AMR and addressing educational deficiencies at a basic level. Findings indicate a wide variance in AMR knowledge levels, with some studies reporting as low as 32.4% of participants having “good knowledge” on AMR. Attitudes towards antibiotic use and resistance were casual, with a significant number of students expressing the need for more education. Practices varied widely, from high rates of self-medication to better-informed antibiotic use in regions with more comprehensive AMR curricula. Conclusions Enhancing the quality of AMR education across medical, dental, veterinary, and environmental health is imperative to equip future health professionals with the knowledge and attitudes necessary to combat AMR. Key messages • Traditional educational models are insufficient for addressing the complexities of AMR which crosses multiple health sectors. • Improving AMR education quality is crucial to equip future health professionals to effectively combat AMR.