Perceived Level of Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitude of Saint Mary’s University Senior High School Students towards Antibiotic Use

The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have led to a significant rise in antibiotic resistance, posing a serious public health threat, especially among younger populations who are increasingly exposed to these medications. This study aims to determine the perceived level of knowledge, awareness, and attitudes of senior high school students at Saint Mary’s University, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, towards antibiotic use, focusing on profile variables such as sex and academic strand. Utilizing a descriptive-comparative and descriptive-correlational research design, a survey questionnaire was distributed to gather data on students' knowledge, awareness, and attitudes, incorporating quantitative Likert scale items and a qualitative open-ended question. The findings reveal that while most students demonstrate proper knowledge and awareness regarding antibiotic use, significant gaps in understanding, particularly concerning antibiotic resistance, were identified. The study highlights the necessity for targeted educational interventions to enhance students' knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotic use, thereby contributing to improved public health outcomes with serving as a foundation for future research on antibiotic stewardship among young populations.