Volume 5, Issue 1 (February 2026)
Health Science Monitor 2026, 5(1): 10-16 |
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Rahman M T, Bably S K, Sadik M H. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Antibiotic Resistance Among Medical Students in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study. Health Science Monitor 2026; 5 (1) :10-16
URL: http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-288-en.html
URL: http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-288-en.html
Department of Zoology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
Abstract: (31 Views)
Background and Aims: Antibiotic resistance is a major global public health challenge driven largely by inappropriate antibiotic use. Medical students are future prescribers and key targets for antimicrobial stewardship education. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance among medical students in Bangladesh.
Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2024 and August 2025 among medical students from seven medical colleges in Bangladesh. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge scores ranged from 0 to 12. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed using R statistical software.
Results A total of 333 students participated; 52.6% were male, and the mean age was 23.1 years. Correct knowledge was highest for antibiotic use in bacterial infections (94.9%), followed by the fact that resistant infections are harder and costlier to treat (88.6%), that missed doses affect treatment outcomes (85.9%), and that broad-spectrum antibiotics affect both beneficial and harmful bacteria (83.5%). The completion of prescribed courses is important (83.2%). Additionally, 64.9% of students reported not using leftover antibiotics, while 35.1% reported using them. Positive attitudes toward rational antibiotic use were observed in 55.6%. Attitudes and antibiotic demand in mild illness moderately predicted leftover antibiotic use (AUC = 0.639; 95% CI: 0.580–0.698).
Conclusions Medical students demonstrated adequate basic knowledge but had important gaps in policy, non-bacterial infections, and responsible antibiotic use. Targeted antimicrobial stewardship education should emphasize policy awareness, clinical decision-making, and behavior-focused training.
Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2024 and August 2025 among medical students from seven medical colleges in Bangladesh. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge scores ranged from 0 to 12. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed using R statistical software.
Results A total of 333 students participated; 52.6% were male, and the mean age was 23.1 years. Correct knowledge was highest for antibiotic use in bacterial infections (94.9%), followed by the fact that resistant infections are harder and costlier to treat (88.6%), that missed doses affect treatment outcomes (85.9%), and that broad-spectrum antibiotics affect both beneficial and harmful bacteria (83.5%). The completion of prescribed courses is important (83.2%). Additionally, 64.9% of students reported not using leftover antibiotics, while 35.1% reported using them. Positive attitudes toward rational antibiotic use were observed in 55.6%. Attitudes and antibiotic demand in mild illness moderately predicted leftover antibiotic use (AUC = 0.639; 95% CI: 0.580–0.698).
Conclusions Medical students demonstrated adequate basic knowledge but had important gaps in policy, non-bacterial infections, and responsible antibiotic use. Targeted antimicrobial stewardship education should emphasize policy awareness, clinical decision-making, and behavior-focused training.
Type of Study: Research Article |
Subject:
General
Received: 2026/01/7 | Accepted: 2026/05/23 | Published: 2026/02/11
Received: 2026/01/7 | Accepted: 2026/05/23 | Published: 2026/02/11
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