Abstract

Education and adequate training regarding the appropriate use of antibiotics for health care professionals is essential in developing countries. Educational strategies can also influence appropriate antibiotic use in the community. The aim of this study was to assess and compare knowledge of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) between pharmacy and other allied health sciences (AHS) students at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, which offers undergraduate teaching in pharmacy and other AHS; nursing, radiography and medical laboratory sciences. All students in each program were invited to participate in this study. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive data analysis and Chi square tests were performed. Pharmacy (n = 102) and other AHS students (n = 284) completed the questionnaire (response rate 69%). A majority of participants (76%) reported antibiotic use in the past year. A significantly higher proportion of pharmacy students reported antibiotic use was appropriate for the management of skin wound infection, urinary tract infection and sore throat compared to AHS students, p < 0.05. No significant differences were observed between pharmacy and AHS students regarding knowledge of AMR. Most students understood terms related to antibiotic resistance through their undergraduate studies. Pharmacy students demonstrated better knowledge and understanding regarding antibiotics utilization than AHS students. Both pharmacy and AHS students had good understanding regarding AMR. The undergraduate curricula of pharmacy and AHS have contributed significantly to understanding the terminology associated with antibiotics and AMR.

Highlights

  • Education and adequate training regarding the appropriate use of antibiotics for health care professionals is essential in developing countries

  • Appropriate education and adequate training regarding the optimal use of antibiotics and recognition of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) emergence by health care professionals is considered as a powerful tool [9,10] and is one of the objectives of the World Health Organization (WHO) global action plan on AMR [7]

  • This study was a cross-sectional study investigating the prevalence of antibiotic use, knowledge of antibiotics and AMR among undergraduate students studying in pharmacy and allied health sciences (AHS) in a Sri Lankan university

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Education and adequate training regarding the appropriate use of antibiotics for health care professionals is essential in developing countries. The aim of this study was to assess and compare knowledge of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) between pharmacy and other allied health sciences (AHS) students at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Conclusion: Pharmacy students demonstrated better knowledge and understanding regarding antibiotics utilization than AHS students. Appropriate education and adequate training regarding the optimal use of antibiotics and recognition of AMR emergence by health care professionals is considered as a powerful tool [9,10] and is one of the objectives of the WHO global action plan on AMR [7]. The education and training of pharmacists is crucial to improve the appropriate antibiotic use [10]

Objectives
Methods
Conclusion

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.