Abstract

Background: Antibiotics are the most commonly used drugs often associated with inappropriate use leading to resistance. While knowledge enlightens and provides an insight into the problems faced, behavioral change solely depends on the beliefs and attitude. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to assess and compare the existing knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of final year students of all three specialties which include medical, dental, and nursing courses. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology in Kannur Medical College, Kerala. Final year students of medical, dental, and nursing courses were included in the study. KAPs were assessed by using a preformed questionnaire which was divided into three areas, namely, antibiotic use, self-medication, and antimicrobial (antibiotic) resistance.
Results: Overall, 222 final year students pursuing different courses which included MBBS (n = 76), BDS (n = 72), and BSc Nursing (n = 74) took participation in the study. The predominant level of knowledge (77.5%), attitude (79.7%), and practice (66.2%) came to be as moderate. Average of KAP came out to be moderate (74.4). Attitude scores in different gender groups in MBBS course were found to be statistically significant (P = 0.019).
Conclusions: This study shows the KAP of budding health-care professionals in a real ground situation in our academics and the role of awareness about antibiotic use in health care which can help in preventing the emergence of antibiotic resistance. It provides useful information to plan a suitable educational intervention for rationale antibiotic use and to minimize resistance.