Knowledge About Antibiotics And Antibiotic Resistance Among Health-Related Students In Jordan University

Abstract

Background: antibiotic resistance stems from improper usage of antibiotics, constitutes a threat for global health worldwide and in developing countries like Jordan in particular. 

Aim: this study aims to examine the knowledge of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance among pharmacy and nursing students across Al-Balqa Applied University in Jordan, namely, Mutah University in Karak, Al-Balqa University in Tafila, Al-Hussein University in Ma'an, and A branch of Al-Balqa University at Ma'an University

Methodology: this cross-sectional study used a questionnaire that was distributed to 300 pharmacy and nursing students.

Findings: The study results revealed that 73.3 % of pharmacy and nursing students were aware of the term “antibiotic resistance,” and 77 % of them were instructed about antibiotic resistance in their courses. Most students exhibited advanced basic comprehension as reflected by correct response percentages ranging between 66.3 % to 87.3% for antibiotics, 69.3% to 69.3%-77.7% for antibiotic use, and 68.3%-84% for antibiotic resistance. However, there are still some ongoing misunderstandings, particularly about the use of antibiotics for viral infections.

Conclusion: Despite strong foundations of knowledge among students, the study indicates that targeted educational interventions are required to fill the gaps and understand misconceptions as prescribed. This study fills in a notable gap in the literature by identifying the antibiotic knowledge of healthcare students at various southern extensions of Al-Balqa Applied University, a demographic that has been largely overlooked in previous research.