Knowledge of antibiotic resistance and habits of antibiotic use among medical students of University of Nigeria Enugu: a descriptive cross-sectional survey Connaissance de la résistance aux antibiotiques et des habitudes d'utilisation des antibiotiques parmi les étudiants en médecine de l'Université du Nigéria à Enugu: une enquête transversale descriptive

Abstract

Background: The adverse effects of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are manifesting worldwide. A major contributing factor to AMR is the inappropriate use of antimicrobials in humans and animals. It is imperative to raise awareness among medical students of the current public health challenges of AMR and make them antibiotic guardians because they are the future medical doctors. This survey was designed to assess the knowledge of AMR and habits of antimicrobial use (AMU) among medical students as a means to guide them in their future practice.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among medical students of the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria (UNN), Enugu State, Nigeria, from July to September 2021. The sample size of 602 was calculated using an online Raosoft sample size calculator. Pretested structured questionnaires, designed to collect information on students’ knowledge of antimicrobials and factors responsible for emergence of AMR as well as the students’ habits of antimicrobial use, were self-administered to consenting students. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Of the 602 questionnaires administered to the students, 550 were filled out, giving a response rate of 91.4%. Out of the 550 respondents, 60.4% were females, majority (51.1%) of the respondents were between the ages of 21 and 25 years. Regarding knowledge, 97.2%, 62.5%, and 54.2% have heard of the terms ‘antibiotic resistance’, ‘multi-drug drug resistance’ and ‘antimicrobial stewardship’ respectively. About 97.3% knew that AMR was a global problem, however only 64.7% felt that it was a problem for medical students. Surprisingly, 20.4% indicated that viruses were sensitive to antibiotics. Regarding the students’ habit of antimicrobial use, only 22.2% always consult a doctor before starting an antibiotic, 13.1% go for laboratory tests, and 90.5% always take antibiotics anytime they have a fever. Above half of the participants (56.5%) do not complete the dosage of the antibiotics while 63.5% keep leftover antibiotics for future use. In assessing the factors responsible for AMR emergence, 88.8% responded not adhering to a doctor's prescription and 92.0% responded poor quality of drugs, while only 42.8% responded that overuse of antibiotics in livestock is a factor.
Conclusion: Our study gave an insight into the knowledge gap and the need to increase awareness and education on AMR and AMS among the medical students, especially in the early phase of their academic and professional training.