Investigating knowledge regarding antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance among pharmacy students in Australian universities

Abstract

Background: Inappropriate antibiotic use is a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally. Pharmacists with appropriate skills and training can help address the challenge of AMR. Aim: To investigate antibiotic use, knowledge of antibiotics and AMR among pharmacy students in Australian universities and to compare these outcomes between junior and senior pharmacy student groups. Method: A survey regarding global knowledge on AMR was conducted at 14 Australian universities offering pharmacy programmes. All pharmacy students were invited to participate in a self-administered online questionnaire with five major sections: demographic information, self-reported antibiotic use, knowledge of antibiotic use in human health, knowledge of AMR and antibiotic use in agriculture. Descriptive data analysis and Chi-square tests were used in the analysis. Results: Five hundred and twenty-five pharmacy students completed the questionnaire. The majority of participants (88%) reported antibiotic use in the past year. Senior pharmacy students (n = 274) reported significantly improved knowledge of appropriate antibiotic indications when compared to junior students (n = 251), p < 0.05. Junior pharmacy students were more likely to incorrectly recommend antibiotics for the management of cold and flu (p < 0.05). Overall,pharmacy students demonstrated a sound understanding of AMR and this knowledge increased among senior pharmacy students. Conclusion: This study found that pharmacy students in Australian universities commonly report using antibiotics. Senior pharmacy students demonstrate an improved understanding of the appropriate use of antibiotics and AMR when compared to junior pharmacy students in Australia.

Disposal of unused antibiotics as household waste: A social driver of antimicrobial resistance

“…The 100% response to consumption of antibiotics showed similarity with the study of Sakeena et al. (2021) regarding antibiotics and AMR knowledge among pharmacy students in Australian universities as they reported that the majority of students (88%) reported antibiotics use in the past year. Based on the consumption data of antibiotics as shown in Exhibits 1 and , it was concluded that out of the selected antibiotics, amoxicillin and floxacin were the most commonly used antibiotics as more than 55% of respondents confirm their intake in both groups, that is, Group 2 (offline mode) and Group 1 (online mode), while meropenem and doxycycline were the least used antibiotics (less than 25%).…”

“…(2021) reported that 88% of dental respondents have admitted that prescription/uptake of antibiotics had no great impact and it acted as a contributor to AMR, while Sakeena et al. (2021) reported that junior pharmacy students were more likely recommend inappropriate antibiotics during cold and flu as compared to senior pharmacy students in Australian Universities. Deniz‐Sungur et al.…”

Evaluation of Antibiotic Prescription by Dentists for Oral Diseases

“…Antibiotics, while lifesaving, are associated with adverse side effects such as gastrointestinal upset and anaphylactic shock (8)(9)(10). In dental practices, they are often prescribed as adjunctive therapy for conditions like periodontal abscess, pericoronitis, necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, or for patients at risk of developing infective endocarditis (11)(12)(13). Acknowledging these risks, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed strategies and initiatives, respectively, to combat antimicrobial resistance and promote appropriate antibiotic use (14)(15).…”