Attitudes and Knowledge Regarding Antimicrobial Use and Resistance Among Pharmacy and Medical Students at the University of Split, Croatia

Abstract

Purpose: Future physicians and pharmacists have to be educated and prepared to rationally manage the use of antimicrobials. The aim of this study was to evaluate attitudes and knowledge regarding the use of antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance of medical and pharmacy students. Methods: We conducted a survey-based cross-sectional study at the University of Split School of Medicine (USSM). The survey consisted of 50 items. A total of 161 students participated in the study across 3 study programs as follows: Medicine (N = 78), Medical Studies in English (MSE; N = 37), and Pharmacy (N = 46). Results: Majority of students believe that antimicrobials are overused (90.7%). Keeping a stock of antibiotics at home is a practice more commonly seen among students who have a family member working in a health related field (58.5% vs. 25.0%, p < 0.001). There was no difference in average knowledge score among medical, MSE, or pharmacy students (p = 0.416). Students who achieved higher knowledge score were more likely to rate their education about antimicrobial use and resistance as very useful (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study reveals that medical and pharmacy students at the USSM have a relatively good understanding of antibiotic resistance. However, more education on the appropriate use of antimicrobials is needed.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance; education; medical students; pharmacy students; survey.