Practical Knowledge and Perception about Antibiotic Usage and Resistance: A Questionnaire-based Study

Introduction: Nowaday antibiotic resistance is an important global issue of health-care problem which needs urgent attention. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics unnecessarily probably the foremost cause of this problem. Awareness of this fact among under graduate MBBS students and Nursing trainee students who become the health-care provider of future generation is extremely important. Materials and Methods: A format of questionnaire which covers the different aspects of knowledge about proper antibiotic usage was distributed among all students and to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding antibiotic use and resistance by a five-point Likert scale. Results: Among total 352 participants, 96% of medical students and 82% of nursing students considered that antibiotic resistance is a global issue whereas 96% of medical students and 73% of nursing students agreed with the matter that in India it is also a serious issue. This study also observe the various false practices and belief which include tendency to take a large dose of antibiotics for quicker action, have tendency to skipping of drugs after become well without taking full course of medicines, indiscriminate and injudicious use of antibiotics, that also complicated the scenario. As per their suggestion, measures should be taken to reduce the antibiotic resistance are institutional specific guideline and conduct frequent educational programs, easy access to local and this antibiogram, require regular antibiotic surveillance programs. Conclusion: This study revealed many important clues regarding some improper knowledge, attitude, perception and practices regarding antibiotic resistance and usage among the future doctors, and nurses. The results can be considered, to plan for an effective undergraduate curriculum. The medical education strategies should aim, not only to increase the knowledge but also to change behavior and practices among medical students.