Knowledge-Based Attitudes of Medical Students in Antibiotic Therapy and Antibiotic Resistance. A Cross-Sectional Study.

Tomasz Sobierajski,Monika Wanke-Rytt,Waleria Hryniewicz,Beata Mazińska

doi:10.3390/ijerph18083930

Abstract

We aimed to evaluate the knowledge-based attitudes of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance among medical students of Medical University of Warsaw using the questionnaire prepared by the study’s authors. In May–June 2018, we carried out a cross-sectional study among the students of all years, embracing 291 respondents. The students were divided into two groups: A (students in their first to third years) and B (students in their fourth to sixth years). Our study has shown that students are aware of the dangers of antibiotic resistance, seeing the leading cause as antibiotic misuse. We have shown that they are also aware of their insufficient knowledge and believe that more antibiotic therapy classes should be included in the curriculum of Medical University of Warsaw. Our questionnaire also focused on attitudes towards antibiotics based on knowledge. One in four respondents (23.7%), based on their knowledge, negated antibiotic therapy ordered by a doctor in the event of their illness, and four in ten (40.9%) in the occurrence of disease of a family member or friend. The vast majority of students (92.4%) would like to broaden their knowledge on antibiotic therapy. However, only one-fifth of students have heard about the European Antibiotic Awareness Day campaign. We recommend increasing the number of hours on antibiotic therapy and resistance education combined with topics on hand hygiene.

Highlights

Growing antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens is one of the most important medical global concerns limiting effective treatment and leading to increased morbidity and mortality [1,2]
This study aimed to evaluate medical students’ knowledge at various medical education levels concerning antibiotics and resistance and determine gaps in their education
Based on the distribution of the received responses, our study demonstrated that there is a need to increase the number of hours of antibiotic therapy in medical schools and the students themselves are drawing attention to this need

Summary

Introduction

Growing antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens is one of the most important medical global concerns limiting effective treatment and leading to increased morbidity and mortality [1,2]. This is worrisome since the supply of new effective antimicrobial drugs does not fulfil present needs. Resistance has been detected in all major pathogens and is not limited to nosocomial settings and concerns communityacquired infections [3]. WHO and several international and national public health organizations issued a set of recommended actions to be taken to limit the emergence and further spread of resistance [6,7]. The actions should include education of medical and veterinary professionals, the general public, with particular emphasis on farmers, and politicians

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