Abstract

Irrational antibiotics use is a major reason for the spread of antibiotic resistance. Earlier studies from Jordan indicated irrational antibiotic use among the public. Our aim is to evaluate the current knowledge, attitude and behaviour regarding antibiotic use and reasons for resistance development among university students in Jordan. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey involving medical and non-medical students at the University of Jordan was conducted. Response rate was 85% and the majority of the sample was non-medical female students. Scoring level analysis revealed inadequate knowledge, high consumption rates and self-medication among students regardless of their specialty. Forty four percent of non-medical and 28.1% medical students agreed that antibiotics cure common colds and viral infections. Almost 61% of students did not complete their last course of antibiotic, 31.2% requested antibiotic prescriptions from clinicians and 37.5% were prescribed antibiotics over the phone. In conclusion, gaps in terms of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding antibiotics use among students were observed. National education programs should target these gaps aiming at increasing awareness on proper antibiotics use and its association with drug resistance. Enforcing antibiotic regulations at a national level is paramount targeting over the counter sale hence, reducing self-medication and high rates of consumption.

Key words: Antimicrobial resistance, prescribing practice, health education.