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Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Antibiotic Use and Resistance Among Non-Medical University Students, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Author

Listed:
  • Amen Bawazir

    (Community Medicine Unit, Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia)

  • Abdullah Bohairi

    (Community Medicine Unit, Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia)

  • Omar Badughaysh

    (Community Medicine Unit, Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia)

  • Abdulmohsen Alhussain

    (Community Medicine Unit, Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia)

  • Mohannad Abuobaid

    (Community Medicine Unit, Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia)

  • Majd Abuobaid

    (Community Medicine Unit, Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia)

  • Azzam Al Jabber

    (Community Medicine Unit, Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia)

  • Yaman Mardini

    (Community Medicine Unit, Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia)

  • Abdulaziz Alothman

    (Community Medicine Unit, Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia)

  • Faris Alsomih

    (Community Medicine Unit, Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia)

  • Abdullah AlMuzaini

    (Community Medicine Unit, Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia)

  • Mohammed BaHamdan

    (Community Medicine Unit, Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a global public health crisis, largely driven by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward AR among non-medical university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and identify factors that influence antibiotic use. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 672 students from both public and private universities in Riyadh. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics and KAP regarding antibiotics. Results: The findings indicated that 59.1% of students had sufficient knowledge of antibiotics, while 60% had positive attitudes, and 60.6% exhibited responsible practices. However, 40.9% of students demonstrated insufficient knowledge, and factors such as age, gender, and field of study significantly impacted KAP outcomes. Females had 65.8% higher odds of demonstrating a positive attitude toward AR prevention, compared to males, and 52% higher odds of adopting appropriate practices than males. The primary source of information on antibiotics was healthcare professionals, particularly doctors. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions to enhance awareness and promote the responsible use of antibiotics among university students, helping to mitigate the threat of antibiotic resistance.

Suggested Citation

  • Amen Bawazir & Abdullah Bohairi & Omar Badughaysh & Abdulmohsen Alhussain & Mohannad Abuobaid & Majd Abuobaid & Azzam Al Jabber & Yaman Mardini & Abdulaziz Alothman & Faris Alsomih & Abdullah AlMuzain, 2025. "Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Antibiotic Use and Resistance Among Non-Medical University Students, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(6), pages 1-14, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:6:p:868-:d:1669310
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Poonam Shah & Rajeev Shrestha & Zongfu Mao & Yilin Chen & Yan Chen & Pramesh Koju & Xinliang Liu & Hao Li, 2019. "Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Associated with Antibiotic Use among University Students: A Survey in Nepal," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-11, October.
    2. Olga Horvat & Ana Tomas & Milica Paut Kusturica & Dragica Bukumiric & Bojan Blagojevic & Zorana Kovacevic, 2020. "Serbian students’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards antibiotic use: is there room for improvement?," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 65(8), pages 1257-1267, November.
    3. Elena Narcisa Pogurschi & Carmen Daniela Petcu & Alexandru Eugeniu Mizeranschi & Corina Aurelia Zugravu & Daniela Cirnatu & Ioan Pet & Oana-Mărgărita Ghimpețeanu, 2022. "Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Antibiotic Use and Antibiotic Resistance: A Latent Class Analysis of a Romanian Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-16, June.
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