Affiliations 

  • 1 College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
  • 2 College of Dentistry, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
  • 3 Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
Int J Gen Med, 2019;12:235-246.
PMID: 31388309 DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S200641

Abstract

Purpose: Antibiotic resistance is one of the world's most fatal health crises. Medical students are the antibiotic prescribers of tomorrow, so better understanding of their knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) pertaining to antibiotic use is crucial. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the KAP of antibiotics and associated factors among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among a random sample of undergraduate students from Ajman University in the UAE. A self-administered pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on students' demographics and their KAP regarding antibiotic use. Data were analysed using STATA version 14.2. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: This study showed that university students have a high rate of antibiotic self-medication. The average KAP score was 56% (95% CI 55%-57%). Statistical modeling showed that major, study year, age, and sex were strong determinants of KAP regarding antibiotic use. Conclusion: There is a need to develop an effective and comprehensive antibiotic-stewardship program as part of undergraduate education. Moreover, reinforcing antibiotic-use policies, involving pharmacies, drug supply, distribution, and sale, are also urgently needed.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.