Abstract

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF PHARMACY STUDENTS TOWARDS ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP

Julie Mariam Joshua*, Sherin Ann Mathew, Anakha S., Afzana Azeez and Santhosh M. Mathews

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most serious global public health threats in this century. This cross-sectional study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among Pharmacy students towards Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme (ASP). A structured questionnaire was administered to explore diverse facets of antibiotic use, AMR and ASP. A total of 106 students responded to the questionnaire. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 20. Regarding the pre-interventional knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) score of the respondents, 10 (9.43%) have good knowledge, 65 (61.32%) have moderate knowledge and the remaining 31 (29.24%) have poor knowledge. After educational intervention, there was a significant improvement in knowledge, attitude and practice of the students. The study findings conclude that the
educational intervention proved to be beneficial in improving the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacy students regarding rational antibiotic use, AMR and ASP. Continuous education and training are essential to reinforce their knowledge, foster positive attitudes, and ensure consistent adherence to stewardship principles in their future.

Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance; antimicrobial stewardship; Knowledge; Attitude; Practices; Pharmacy students.