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Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice with Respect to Antibiotic Use among Chinese Medical Students: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Yanhong Hu

    (School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

  • Xiaomin Wang

    (School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China)

  • Joseph D. Tucker

    (UNC-China Project, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA)

  • Paul Little

    (Primary Care and Population Science, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 5ST, UK)

  • Michael Moore

    (Primary Care and Population Science, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 5ST, UK)

  • Keiji Fukuda

    (School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

  • Xudong Zhou

    (School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China)

Abstract

Objective: Inappropriate antibiotic use leads to antibiotic resistance. This has become a serious global crisis, with more multi-drug resistant infections and fewer effective antibiotics available. This study aims to understand knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) with respect to antibiotic use for self-limiting illnesses among medical students in China. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey instrument questionnaire was distributed in six regional universities in China from September to November 2015. Overall, 1819 medical students were enrolled. A pre-tested questionnaire was delivered by the researchers. KAP scores were calculated to determine the appropriation. Chi-squared and multivariable logistic regression and adjusted odd ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the relationship between the demographic characteristics and antibiotic use knowledge and behaviour. Results: In total, 11,192 students completed the questionnaires, with a response rate of 95%. In total, 529 (29%) medical students reported at least one self-limiting illness in the prior month. Of those with a self-limiting illness, 285 (54%) self-medicated, with 77 (27%) using antibiotics; 111 (21%) went to see a doctor, of which 64 (58%) were prescribed antibiotics, and 133 did nothing (25%). In the past year, 279 (15%) of medical students had used antibiotics as prophylaxis, and 273 (15%) of medical students had demanded an antibiotic from a doctor. Meanwhile, 1166 (64%) of them kept a personal stock of antibiotics, and 1034 (57%) of them had bought antibiotics at a pharmacy, of which 97% were purchased without a prescription. Students with high KAP scores with respect to antibiotics were significantly less likely to self-medicate with antibiotics (aOR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15–0.91, p = 0.031), use antibiotics for prophylaxis (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.21–0.60, p < 0.0001), or demand an antibiotic (aOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.26–0.81, p = 0.007) from the doctor. Logistical regression showed that students whose fathers had a higher education level, whose mothers had medical background, who were from urban areas were more likely to stock antibiotics and self-medicate with antibiotics. Conclusion: High rates of antibiotic self-medication for self-limiting illness and stocking of antibiotics among medical students were observed. Along with the high rates of medical students receiving unnecessary antibiotics from their doctors were observed. The students’ knowledge and attitude towards to antibiotics, which drive prescribing, highlight the urgent need for effective antibiotic stewardship and training programs in Chinese healthcare institutes and medical schools.

Suggested Citation

  • Yanhong Hu & Xiaomin Wang & Joseph D. Tucker & Paul Little & Michael Moore & Keiji Fukuda & Xudong Zhou, 2018. "Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice with Respect to Antibiotic Use among Chinese Medical Students: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-14, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:6:p:1165-:d:150485
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    Cited by:

    1. Narmeen Mallah & Nicola Orsini & Adolfo Figueiras & Bahi Takkouche, 2022. "Income level and antibiotic misuse: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis," The European Journal of Health Economics, Springer;Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gesundheitsökonomie (DGGÖ), vol. 23(6), pages 1015-1035, August.

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