Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Self-Medication of Antibiotics: Medical Vs Dental students at AIMST University

Abstract

Objective: Pharmacological management have been used to treat self-diagnosed ailments in the human body since many decades. Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) refers to unacceptable usage of antibiotics and is considered inappropriate. Considering antimicrobial resistance, this study evaluated the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of self-medication of antibiotics use among Year 1 to Year 5 Medical versus dental students in this University. Methods: Self-administered questionnaire with thirty questions of both multiple choices and closed ended questions were provided in English for this cross-sectional survey. The questionnaire had sections assessing knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication of antibiotics in addition to the regular demographic data. Results: Both faculties have similar knowledge but different attitudes and thinking toward antibiotics which have been elicited in our study. There were only 27 students out of 385 students who experienced self-medication with antibiotics according to data collected. On the whole, the students did not practice self-medication of antibiotics and both faculties of students possess proper usage and handling of antibiotics. Conclusion: This questionnaire serve as a useful tool in research to measure KAP of the general population towards self-medication with antibiotics, and can help government agencies/healthcare professionals toward the development of an effective educational intervention to improve general public health wellbeing and overcome antibiotic resistance.