Background: Antibiotic resistance is spreading alarmingly throughout the world, including developed countries. The common causes of antibiotic resistance include over prescription, incomplete treatment and inappropriate self-medication. Among different causes of antimicrobial resistance, irrational use of antibiotic is the most prominent one.
Objective: To evaluate the awareness and approach of dental students regarding antibiotic prescription and its resistance due to irrational use of antibiotics.
Method: After approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Ziauddin University this cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st April, 2020 to 30th July,2020 at Ziauddin University. Third and final year dental students as well as house officers were enrolled and the computed sample size was 133 to which 5% non-response rate was added, therefore total 139 dental students were approached. Non-probability convenience sampling technique was used. A self- designed, self-administered questionnaire was prepared to collect the demographic data and information regarding the prescription pattern of antibiotics amongst study subjects. All questions in the questionnaire were close ended. The questionnaire comprised information pertaining to demographic characteristics, standard guideline for antibiotic prescriptions, antibiotic stewardship and resistance, improper prescription and its consequences. The dental students were briefed about the purpose of the study and the significance of participation and a written informed consent was obtained from them. The awareness of dental students regarding antibiotics was the outcome factor. The data was analyzed by using SPSS version 22.
Results: Out of total 139 dental students majority (79.1%)were familiar to standard antibiotic prescription guidelines.(87.8%) responded amoxicillin is beta lactam, for probability of antibiotic abuse and antibiotics aid in recovery of infections majority showed awareness(92.1% and 84.9% respectively). Almost equal students inquire recent antibiotic course prior to prescription (90.6%) as well as take extra caution prescribing antibiotic in immune compromised patients (89.9%).
Conclusion: This study concluded that majority of the dental students had good awareness regarding antibiotics and factors related to it, as participants responded positively to the 70% of awareness - based questions.
Key words: Awareness, Antibiotics, Resistance, Prescription, Dental students.
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