Background: Antibiotic is a wonder drug used in the treatment and control of microbial infections and resistance to such drug is a major global health issue because of its extensive and improper use. Health professional students being easy to mould should be made aware to focus on the social aspects of antibiotic management especially the knowledge, attitudes, and practices so that they can aware and help the general population regarding the judicious use of antibiotics in future.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health professional students of Birgunj, Nepal towards the use of antibiotic and antibiotic resistance.
Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in two health institutions of Birgunj, Nepal. Data were collected through convenient sampling technique, using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. A total of 176 respondents belonging to Nursing and Dental backgrounds were included in current study.
Results: It was found that 87.5% of the respondents started antibiotic usage with doctors consultation, whereas, 84.7% of respondents said that indiscriminate and injudicious usage of antibiotics can lead to increased adverse effects on human body. About 98.3% respondents suggested the requirement of more education about antibiotics. Moreover, 61.9% of respondents completed full course of treatment while they were ill. Surprisingly, 19.69% of respondents were unsure about the causes of antibiotic resistance.
Conclusion: The level of knowledge and attitude about antibiotic and its resistance amongst the health professional students is high; however, practice of antibiotic is still poor.
Key words: Antibiotic, antibiotic resistance, antibiotic usage, nursing and dental students
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