Health Science University Students Research Articles

Concept, Beleifs and Practices of Drug Disposal Among Undergraduate University Students of Basic Health Sciences

Background: Environmental and water contamination due to the presence of pharmaceuticals has become a hot issue worldwide as affecting the environment and health adversely. Objectives: The present study aimed to observe the perception, attitude and practice regarding disposal of unused, expired and left over medicines among undergraduate university students of basic health sciences. Methodology: This was a cross sectional, descriptive study, conducted from November 2018 to February 2019, by distributing pretested structured questionnaires. Completely filled questionnaires were then collected by researchers for data analysis using SPSS version 21.0. Results: Out of n=200, the response rate was 79%. It was found that more than 40% students used to keep medicines at their home, due to poor compliance (39.87%). More than 75% of students had no awareness about proper medication disposal and they disposed unused medicines in the sink or flush. Around 40% students thought that pharmacists should educate about drug disposal while dispensing. About 75% respondents were unaware about availability of official guidelines for disposal or pharmacy take back program for unused medication. Conclusion: Students were not practicing medication disposal properly. So, awareness regarding proper drug disposal is necessary for all, especially for students belonging to health sciences. Allocation of specific drug disposal sites and pharmacy take back programs are deemed to be necessary to promote a secure environment.

Exploring Trends and Differences in Health Behaviours of Health Sciences University Students from Germany and England: Findings from the "SuSy" Project.

Objectives: This research aimed to explore the health behaviours of health sciences students over time and across different settings. Methods: A health behaviour surveillance system has been implemented in Hamburg and Manchester among under- and postgraduate health sciences students. Trends among the Hamburg sample were described. In a cross-sectional assessment, health behaviours across both universities were examined using multivariate regression analysis. Results: Between 2014 and 2018, increasing trends in physical activity and cannabis and alcohol consumption were observed in Hamburg (n = 1,366). While fruit and vegetable intake was constantly low, tobacco smoking decreased. No clear trend was observed for stress perception. The comparison (n = 474) revealed that Manchester students had higher odds of smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and fruit and vegetable consumption; and lower odds of being physically active, and consuming cannabis. No difference in stress perception was observed. Conclusions: Varying trends and potential areas of intervention were identified for health behaviours in Hamburg. The comparison with Manchester students revealed differences in behaviours, which could be further explored to help inform health promotion strategies in both settings.

Sexual health knowledge and influencing factors among health science students at a state university in Turkey

Objectives It is important to determine the sexual health knowledge and educational needs of university health science students, as they need this knowledge in both their personal and professional lives. We aimed to determine the sexual health knowledge and affecting factors of health science students in Turkey. Methods A descriptive study was carried out among students at a university faculty of health sciences in Ankara province, Turkey. Data were collected using a student information form and the Sexual Health Knowledge Test (SHKT). Results The study comprised 738 participants. Students’ mean SHKT score was moderate (25.13 ± 5.28; range 0–40). The lowest correct response rates in the SHKT were to questions on sexually transmitted infections (45.6%) and safe sexual behaviour (53.5%). Students’ main sources of information on sexual health were the internet (72%) and friends (40.9%). The most important factors affecting SHKT scores were having graduated from a health-education high school (eta2 = 0.035); having a working mother (eta2 = 0.023); getting sexual health information from the internet (eta2 = 0.019), from friends (eta2 = 0.018) or from school/teachers (eta2 = 0.015); having friends of the opposite sex for emotional and/or social support (eta2 = 0.010); and being female (eta2 = 0.008). Conclusion The results indicate the importance of educating young people and their parents about sexual health. We recommend that the sexual health educational needs of university students in health sciences should not be overlooked; these students have similar needs to those of students in other fields.

Helicobacter pylori Infection: Comparison of Knowledge between Health Science and Non-Health Science University Students.

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), an important human pathogen, is classified as a human carcinogen. It is known to cause dyspepsia, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Awareness regarding H. pylori infections in Saudi Arabia awaits investigation to reduce or even eliminate the infection that would ease the substantial burden of managing H. pylori among both malignant and non-malignant diseases. Aims: The study aims were to (1) assess the knowledge of H. pylori infection, testing, and management among undergraduate students in Saudi Arabia and (2) compare the H. pylori knowledge among health science and non-health science students. Methods: This study involved a cross-sectional online survey among 334 undergraduate students in health science and non-health science colleges at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, using a valid and reliable author-developed survey. The survey had two sections: the socio-demographic factors and knowledge items regarding H. pylori. Data were collected during the 2019–2020 academic year. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Mann–Whitney U test. The knowledge scores were categorized as poor, fair, and good. Results: Less than 10% of the students in both groups had a good knowledge level about H. pylori. The comparison of the overall mean between both groups was non-significant. Moreover, the level of knowledge of the respondents was significantly associated with their university level (p < 0.001), family monthly income (p < 0.007), having heard about H. pylori infection (p < 000.1), and a previous history of H. pylori infection (p < 000.1). Conclusion: The overall knowledge level of Saudi undergraduate students about H. pylori infection was low. Thus, health awareness interventions through educational programs are recommended for improving their knowledge about H. pylori infection and its prevention.

Impact Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Body Composition And Daily Energy Expenditure-intake After 6-month Confinement

The COVID-19 pandemic represents far-reaching health threats, consequently, some governments took extraordinary measures where the main guidelines included social confinement and suspension of school presential activities, resulting in changes in habitual practices of university students such daily energy expenditure and food intake. PURPOSE: To determine the changes on daily energy expenditure and food intake in 10 health sciences university students after 6-month isolation by COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Anthropometric parameters, a daily physical activity questionnaire, and a nutritional survey were obtained one week before the isolation by COVID-19 pandemic and after 6-months of confinement. Changes of body mass index, daily energy expenditure, and daily energy intake (daily total calories, total protein, total lipids, and total carbohydrates) were compared before and after the study period. RESULTS: The main outcomes are described in Table 1. CONCLUSIONS: Confinement by COVID-19 in university students showed a decrease in health status due to increased consumption of calories, specifically lipids, which results in an increase in body mass index, impacting in a greater risk of being affected by the coronavirus, in addition to being one of the main risk factors for suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Finally, even though there didn’t exist statistical difference, there can be appreciated a tendency to decrease daily energy expenditure.

Validation of the Center of Applied Psychology Female Sexuality Questionnaire (CAPFS-Q).

Instruments for the measurement of human sexuality include self-report measures used to assess sexual functioning, but many of them have not yet been validated. The Center of Applied Psychology Female Sexual Questionnaire (CAPFS-Q) is an original self-report instrument. It has been developed for the study of sexuality in specific non-clinical populations, such as female university students of Medicine and other Health Sciences. The CAPFS-Q includes 26 items, organized as follows: sociodemographic and relevant data (four items); aspects of sexual relations with partner (five items); sexual practices (12 from 13 items); and dysfunctional aspects of sexual relations (four items). CAPFS-Q validity and reliability were examined in a sample of Spanish female university students of Health Sciences. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (FA) showed a four-factor structure which explained 71.6% of the variance. This initial version of the CAPFS-Q is a reliable measure of women’s sexual behavior, with a dimensionality that replicates the initial theoretical content and with adequate indicators of internal consistency, validity, and test–retest reliability. It is easy to administer and to complete.

Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Lifestyles of Health Sciences University Students in Spain: A Longitudinal Study

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted daily activities worldwide. University students may have experienced substantial changes in daily living as a result of restrictions on university attendance. The return to normalcy may take a long time, and understanding the influence that shifts in daily routines have had on the lifestyles of university students may inform approaches to support overall well-being. We analyzed changes in the lifestyles of students enrolled at a health sciences university during the COVID-19 pandemic. This longitudinal study took place at the Faculty of Medicine and Nursing in the University of the Basque Country in Spain, and the final sample consisted of 113 nursing students, 109 medical students, and 45 physiotherapy students. Our results demonstrate changes in lifestyles of university students during the pandemic. MedDiet adherence scores and the percentage of students with high adherence increased during the pandemic. This increase was due to the increased consumption of vegetables and nuts. In terms of physical activity, the practice of moderate and intense physical activity was maintained. These results provide important information for both public health authorities and educational institutions to guide strategies to maintain the well-being of students and enhance opportunities for young adults to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Academic Stress and Study Habits of Health Science University Students

Abstract Introduction Academic stress and study habits are crucial indicators of academic success. At the moment, faulty study habits press on the students into academic stress. The present study was conducted to identify the academic stress and study habits of university students of health science. Methods This cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 150 undergraduate students of nursing, physiotherapy, and pharmacy (n = 50 in each group). A stratified random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. The information on academic stress and study habits was collected by using the Student Stress Inventory and Palsane and Sharma Study Habit Inventory, respectively. Results Mean score of academic stress was found to be 75.353 ± 16.463. Pharmacy students had a higher level of stress compared to physiotherapy and nursing students (p = 0.013). Furthermore, the prevalence of unsatisfactory study habits among undergraduate students was 72%, with a mean score of 52.7 ± 9.152. Also, nursing students had a higher level of study habits compared to physiotherapy and pharmacy Students. There was no significant relationship found between study habits and academic stress (r = −0.048, p = 0.557). There was a significant association found between study habits and gender (p = 0.021), as well the association found between stress level and course type, Pre-University Course percentage, and first-year percentage (p = 0.044, 0.04, and 0.044 respectively). Conclusion Academic stress and poor study habits are prevalent among undergraduate students. This indicates strategies need to be formed to enhance healthy study habits and alleviate the academic stress of the students, mainly in professional courses; it is an urgent need.

Validación de la versión en español de la Feminism and the Women's Movement Scale en estudiantes universitarios

ObjectiveThere is strong evidence that individuals’ feminist orientation is a significant predictor of gender-based violence awareness and capability to intervene. The objective of this study is to validate the Spanish version of the Feminism and the Women's Movement Scale (FWMS) that assesses the feminist orientation. MethodA cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out, administering the FWMS to 407 university students of Health Sciences and Social Work. A confirmatory factor analysis was carried out and the adjustment of the model was examined through confirmatory factor analysis, analyzing structural equations. ResultsThe results revealed Cronbach's alpha=0.869 and KMO=0.923; Bartlett <0.001. The factorial model found a sole factor that merged the 10 items into a latent variable called feminist movement and explained 99.15% of the total variance. The factorial model yielded one factor that explained 99.15% of the variance. The factorial loads of the items exceeded 0.837. ConclusionsThese results confirm the validity of the Spanish version of FWMS questionnaire.

Prevalence and factors associated with anxiety among university students of health sciences in Brazil: findings and implications

ABSTRACT Objective The aim was to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with anxiety disorders among university students of health sciences at Federal University of Ouro Preto, Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study between March to June 2019. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire including sociodemographic, academic, family and behavioral issues. The Beck Anxiety Inventory was used to assess anxiety. Estimates were obtained through the prevalence ratio and Poisson multivariate analysis. Results Four hundred and ninety-three students participated with a mean age of 23.1 and predominantly women (79.9%). All students had some degree of anxiety, with the frequency of the severe, moderate and mild forms being 28.0%, 29.8% and 27.0%, respectively. The factors associated with anxiety included having suffered psychological and/or physical violence in childhood, having suicidal thoughts, having a deceased parent, living with parents, being dissatisfied with the course and being in the exam period. Conclusions The prevalence of anxiety was high in our study and family problems prior to entering university seem to significantly influence the degree of anxiety, which may compromise the student’s academic and social performance.

Assessment of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-toLymphocyte Ratio,Oxidative Stress and Anti Oxidants levels in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients with Low-Grade Chronic Inflammation

Background: Breakfast is an important meal of the day. Skipping Breakfast has become very prevalentamong health science university students. Therefore, the present study was conducted to find the impactbreakfast habits on the Body Mass Index (BMI), Haemoglobin and Academic performance.Methodology: Eighty-one, first year undergraduate nursing students from the Nitte (deemed to be University),were taken for the study, after taking informed consent from them. Purposive sampling Technique wasused to select the students. Students Breakfast habits were assessed by questionnaires, and haemoglobin(Hb) level was by lab investigation. Standard instruments were used to check the height and weight of thestudents.Results: Revealed that the majority of the students (55.6%) skipped Breakfast. Also, the majority of themmentioned the reason for skipping Breakfast is lack of time, getting up late, not hungry, not interestedin having Breakfast, and tasteless food. Beside, there was no significant difference found between BMI,Hb, and Academic Score in breakfast-skippers and non-skippers. Though the present study hasn’t shownany impact of breakfast habits on physical parameters and academic performance, it may affect on totalnutritional status of the students. So it’s need of the hour to aware the students on the importance of regularBreakfast.

Study on Knowledge and Attitude Related to Inherited Genetic Disorders

Increased prevalence of inherited genetic disorders is a significant public health problem that significantly affects the quality of life of the affected patients and their families in Arab countries. Knowledge about the disorders may empower the community by raising awareness about prevention methods and early detection to reduce the incidence of genetic disorders. This study was aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude related to inherited genetic disorders among health science university students in Ras Al Khaimah. A cross-sectional study was carried out for six months among health science university students in Ras Al Khaimah by using a validated self-administered questionnaire. A total of 359 students completed the study. The overall mean knowledge and attitude scores of the study respondents were 4.47 ± 1.81 and 5.37 ± 2.32, respectively. One hundred and six (29.5%) respondents had adequate knowledge, and a majority (74.65%) of the respondents showed a positive attitude towards genetic disorders. Lectures (25.5%) followed by the internet (20.7%) and healthcare professionals (15.7%) were the most cited sources of information. Comprehensive knowledge about genetic disorders was found to be low despite positive attitude and awareness among respondents. Strengthening knowledge about genetic education and mandatory premarital screening programs may help in early detection and prevention and thereby reducing the incidence of genetic disorders.

Traducción y validación de la “escala de actitud ante el aborto” de Rose Mary J. Crock.

El objetivo de este estudio fue traducir y validar la abortion attitude scale (EAA), instrumento con viñetas que analizan la actitud de los jóvenes ante la toma de decisión de la interrupción voluntaria del embarazo (IVE). Se empleó el método de jueceo con 19 jueces para la validación. Se aplicó el instrumento en una muestra de 150 estudiantes universitarios de ciencias de la salud. Los resultados indicaron la equivalencia la traducción tanto por los jueces como por la retrotraducción, demostrando una adecuada consistencia interna α=0.91. El AFE identificó dos factores que representaron el 50.82% del total de la varianza, confirmado por un modelo SEM. Se concluye que la traducción de EAA comprobó identificar adecuadamente los factores implicados en la IVE.

Test Anxiety and Associated Factors Among First-Year Health Science Students of University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundThe experience of extreme worry and self-doubt before taking a test can drastically hinder an individual’s ability to perform well and may lead to miserable. Studies about test anxiety and associated factors among first-year health science students in Ethiopia are limited. Therefore, this study is meant to provide essential data for future interventions.ObjectiveTo assess test anxiety and associated factors among first-year regular undergraduate health science students of the University of Gondar, northwest Ethiopia, 2019.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study with a stratified random sampling technique. Test anxiety was assessed using the Test Anxiety Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant in the multivariate analysis, and the strength of association was measured using adjusted odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval.ResultsIn this study, the prevalence of test anxiety was 54.7% (95% CI=49.40–60.20). The result revealed that fathers’ education of grade 9–12 (AOR=0.31, 95% CI=0.14–0.69), mothers’ education of grade 9–12 (AOR=2.43, 95% CI=1.07–5.47), psychological distress (AOR=8.37, 95% CI=4.29–16.39), the field of studies; midwifery (AOR=3.56, 95% CI=1.07–11.76), and medicine (AOR=6.79, 95% CI=1.64–28.22) were significantly associated with test anxiety at a P-value<0.05.ConclusionThe study found that test anxiety is a major problem of first-year undergraduate health science students. Mothers’ education of grades 9–12, psychological distress, midwifery, and medical field of studies were risk factors of test anxiety, whereas fathers’ education of grade 9–12 was protective for test anxiety. This showed that an increment in the education of father and mother has a controversial effect on test anxiety. It can be reduced by providing suitable trainings for first-year health science students in dealing with factors causing test anxiety.

Psychometric Properties of the Health Professionals Communication Skills Scale in University Students of Health Sciences.

Communication is one of the determining factors of healthcare quality; however, a health model that prioritizes clinical over non-technical skills remains prevalent. The aims of this article were: (a) to validate a communication skills scale in a sample of fourth-year nursing degree students from two Spanish universities and (b) determine their perception of communication skills. The study included 289 fourth-year nursing undergraduate students with a mean age of 22.7 (SD = 4.87) years; 81.7% were female. The Health Professionals Communication Skills Scale (HP-CSS) questionnaire was adapted for use among nursing students. We analysed the psychometric properties and relationships with the variable attitudes toward communication skills. The HP-CSS showed a high internal consistency (0.88) and good fit of data to the model (TLI = 0.98; CFI = 0.97; RMSEA = 0.05 [95% CI = 0.04–0.06]). The total score and subscale scores correlated with the variable attitude towards communication skills. High scores were obtained for the students’ perception of communication skills. The HP-CSS is a valid and reliable tool to assess the communication skills in nursing students. This scale provides university teachers with a rapid and easily applied instrument to assess the level of communication skills and relationship with patients.

Excessive daytime sleepiness and its predictors among medical and health science students of University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: institution-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundExcessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a condition of sleepiness when a person would not be expected to sleep. University students are prone to EDS due to the competitive learning environment and fragmented night sleep. No study was conducted in Ethiopia on EDS. Therefore, this study aimed to determine EDS and its predictors among University of Gondar (UoG) Medical and Health Science students.MethodsInstitution-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 383 Medical and Health Science students of UoG who were recruited using a computer-generated simple random sampling technique. We used a validated Epworth daytime sleepiness tool to collect data. Epi-Info™ 7 and Stata 14 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to find out predictors. Odds ratio with 95% uncertainty interval were computed. In the final model, a variable with a p < 0.05 was declared as a predictor of EDS.ResultsThree hundred and eighty-three students completed the questionnaire. Males were 69.97% and the mean age of participants was 20.79 (±1.83) years. In the current study, the prevalence of EDS was 31.07% (95% UI: 26.62–35.91). The odds of getting EDS was 1.83 (AOR = 1.83, 95% UI: 1.14–2.96) and 1.84 (AOR = 1.84, 95% UI: 1.13–3.00) higher among students who reported night sleep behaviour disorders and depression, respectively.ConclusionThis study revealed that EDS is high and predicted by depression and night sleep behaviour disorders. These findings suggest the need to set preventive strategies such as counselling of students to reduce depression and night sleep behaviour disorders. Further studies particularly qualitative studies are required to find out more factors affecting EDS.

Investigation of Health Sciences University Students' Healthy Living Behavior Perceptions

All of the behaviors that people exhibit in order to stay healthy both physically and psychologically and maintain their health during their lifetime are included in the definition of "healthy life behavior". In this study, it was aimed to identify and compare the perceptions of healthy life behavior of students of the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences and Psychology Department Students who study at the University of Health Sciences. A total of 199 students, 97 students from the sports science department (age: 19.84 ± 1.801, weight: 65.30 ± 12.460), and 102 students from the psychology department (age: 20.12 ± 1.916 weight: 60.17 ± 9.881) participated in the study. There was a statistically significant difference between the scale total scores of the participants and the dimensions of health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and the measurements of the students of sports science students and students of psychology sciences in terms of an increase in sport sciences students (p &lt;0.05). There was no significant difference between the participants' interpersonal communication and spiritual development scores, which are the sub-dimensions of the scale (p˃0.05). University education is an education period in which students can decide independently. These results showed that sports students and psychology sciences students' different undergraduate education also affected their healthy lifestyle behaviors. In this context, it is concluded that directing students of other departments of the university to exercise and sports activities will contribute to their perceptions of healthy lifestyle.

Representaciones sociales de la docencia universitaria y de las prácticas pedagógicas desde la mirada de estudiantes de ciencias de la salud

Estudiar y reflexionar acerca de las representaciones sociales de la docencia universitaria y de las prácticas pedagógicas desde la mirada de los estudiantes de ciencias de la salud permite realizar un análisis de la realidad que se vive en las instituciones públicas de educación superior en México. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el núcleo figurativo de las representaciones sociales de la docencia universitaria y de las prácticas pedagógicas de profesores del área de la salud. Metodológicamente, se utilizó la técnica de redes semánticas naturales para determinar las representaciones sociales y las prácticas pedagógicas del docente universitario desde la perspectiva de los estudiantes. El valor de las redes semánticas naturales reside en que las taxonomías obtenidas son generadas de manera directa de la memoria semántica del sujeto, y el orden otorgado va de acuerdo con su escala de valores y percepciones. Como parte de los resultados, se determinó que el núcleo figurativo “Docencia universitaria” recae en el concepto central de estar preparado para impartir la clase, seguido de los conceptos que integran el sistema periférico de la representaciones sociales: confianza, responsable, comprometido y asertivo. Todos estos componentes son básicos para determinar las redes de asociaciones. En tanto que para el núcleo figurativo “Prácticas pedagógicas”, el concepto central es el de aplicación de examen como herramienta principal para evaluar los aprendizajes de los estudiantes del área de la salud, seguido de los conceptos que integran el sistema periférico de las representaciones sociales: exposición, cuadro sinóptico, mapas conceptuales y resumen. Todos estos componentes son básicos para determinar las redes de asociaciones. En conclusión, en cuanto a las redes de asociaciones de las respuestas de los universitarios de ciencias de la salud que se presentan en la configuración del núcleo central de las representaciones sociales de la docencia universitaria, que corresponden a la primera red de asociación, el concepto central alude a la preparación académica de los docentes. La segunda red de asociaciones de las representaciones sociales de las prácticas pedagógicas, por su parte, permite determinar el contenido y organización de la representación social, la cual es determinada por la evaluación de los aprendizajes a través del examen.

Traducción al español y validación de una medida breve de ansiedad por la COVID-19 en estudiantes de ciencias de la salud

Introduction and objectivesCOVID-19 has generated negative consequences for people's mental health. This is the case of Peru, one of the Latin American countries most affected by the pandemic. In this sense, the objective of the study was to translate and validate the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) into Spanish. Material and methodThe participants were 704 university students of health sciences (Mage = 23.39 years, SD = 3.45) who were administered the CAS in Spanish, the Mental Health Inventory-5 and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 item. The CAS was translated into Spanish using the forward and backward method. Reliability and evidence of validity based on internal structure and relationship with other variables were examined. ResultsThe factor analysis confirmed the one-dimensional factor structure of the CAS (χ2 = 7.62, df = 5, p = .18, χ2 / gl = 1.52, CFI = .99, RMSEA = .03 [90% CI .00, .06]; SRMR = .02, WRMR = .52); In addition, the factor loadings were large and significant (from .68 to .87). The five CAS items showed acceptable corrected total test item correlations (from .64 to .74). Reliability due to internal consistency was good (ω = .89; αordinal = .89). The validity evidence based on the relationship with other CAS variables was supported by the positive correlation with depression (r = .52, p < .01) and negative with subjective well-being (r = -.50, p < . 01). Furthermore, depression mediates the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and subjective well-being (bootstrap value = - .24, 95% CI = - .28, - .20). ConclusionThe Spanish version of the CAS has evidence of validity and reliability to measure anxiety by COVID-19 in a sample of Peruvian university students.

Assessment of the Knowledge and Self-medication Practices towards Antibiotics among Future Healthcare Professionals in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge and self-medication behavior among health professions students regarding antibiotic usage.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using a self-administrated questionnaire. A sample of 424 questionnaires was distributed randomly among health science students of a medical university in Ajman, UAE. The questionnaire is categorized into three sections which are Socio-demographic details of the participant, knowledge and self-medication practice of antibiotic. The data was entered in MS Excel spread sheet and analyzed as per the study objectives.&#x0D; Key Findings: Upon assessing the knowledge of respondents, authors found 85.8% of the students were familiar with the term ‘antibiotic resistance’. Half of the students agreed that antibiotics treat common cold quickly. Regarding the self-medication practices, 55.6% (n= 236) of students reported that they always take antibiotic without prescription. Cold and flu was the common reason for using antibiotics. Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid) was the common medication used among the students. Nearly one third of the respondents (32.78%; n=139) saved the antibiotics in case of reinfection.&#x0D; Conclusions: In conclusion, antibiotic usage was common among study respondents. Preventive strategies, antibiotic stewardship programs, training, education programs and more restriction towards antibiotic dispensing should be implemented to avoid the misuse and antibiotic resistance.