A cross-sectional study evaluating the knowledge and beliefs about, and the use of antibiotics amongst Malaysian university students
Background: The introduction of antibiotics into modern medicine has changed clinical care by saving millions of lives. However, misuse of antibiotics has led to their benefits being overshadowed by the development of antimicrobial resistance. Aims of Study: This study aimed to assess university...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English English English |
| Published: |
Taylor Francis Online
2019
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/71111/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/71111/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/71111/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/71111/1/71111-A%20cross-sectional%20study%20evaluating%20the%20knowledge-in%20press.pdf http://irep.iium.edu.my/71111/2/71111-A%20cross-sectional%20study%20evaluating%20the%20knowledge-SCOPUS%20in%20press.pdf http://irep.iium.edu.my/71111/13/71111_A%20cross-sectional%20study%20evaluating%20the%20knowledge%20and%20beliefs%20about%2C%20and%20the%20use%20of%20antibiotics%20amongst%20Malaysian%20university%20students_wos.pdf |
| Summary: | Background: The introduction of antibiotics into modern medicine has changed clinical care by saving
millions of lives. However, misuse of antibiotics has led to their benefits being overshadowed by the
development of antimicrobial resistance.
Aims of Study: This study aimed to assess university students’ knowledge and beliefs about and their
use of antibiotics.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 674 medical and non-medical students of
the National Defence University of Malaysia, using universal and convenience sampling methods. The
data was collected using a validated questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS 24, and the MANOVA
test and Logistic Regression were used to explore the associated factors.
Results: More than half of the respondents’ knowledge was low and their health beliefs outdated. Age, race
and program were significantly associated with up-to-date knowledge and beliefs about antibiotic use, factors
associated with finishing a course of antibiotics were studying medicine, personal health, and ethnicity. The
significant factors associated with antibiotic self-prescribing were beliefs having been prescribed antibiotics
during the last one year, and trusting the doctors who did not prescribe antibiotics.
Conclusion: This study has identified a concerning low knowledge about antibiotics amongst some
Malaysian university students, reflected in use of un-prescribed antibiotics and a lack of adherence to
treatment. There is a need for educational interventions for students regarding antibiotic usage and
resistance issues. |
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