Knowledge on antibiotics, their usage and antimicrobial resistance among the university students of Eastern University, Sri Lanka – An online survey

Abstract

Antibiotics are critical medications for preventing and treating infections caused by specific bacteria in people, animals, and crops. In health care, antibiotics are one of our most powerful drugs for fighting life-threatening bacterial infections. Antibiotic resistance happens when the germs no longer respond to the antibiotics designed to kill them. Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant germs are difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat. Since AMR is an emerging global threat, it is essential to know the knowledge on antibiotic use and AMR in Sri Lanka, so that appropriate strategies can be made to create responsible citizens. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge on antibiotics, their usage and antimicrobial resistance among the university students of Eastern University, Sri Lanka. A Cross Sectional Descriptive study was conducted from October 2020 to September 2021 among the internal students in faculties of Eastern University, Sri Lanka and all internal students of Swami Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies (SVIAS), Eastern University, Sri Lanka. Pre-tested, self-administered online questionnaire was used to collect data. An online survey is chosen considering the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic to reach out to many students as possible in all faculties and to minimize spread by avoiding social contacts. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 19 (SPSS V.19) was used to enter and analyze the data using descriptive statistics. Of the 1209 students recruited for this study, 44.7% had moderate knowledge about Antibiotics and 42.8% had adequate knowledge about AMR. Participant’s knowledge about usage of antibiotics was mixed. Frequently used antibiotic was reported as Amoxicillin. Majority responded (67.90%) that they have heard about AMR. Most of the participants got to know about AMR from Web sites. Knowledge on antibiotics their usage and AMR among the students of Eastern University Sri Lanka in this study was moderate in many aspects.