Antibiotics awareness: exploring the knowledge and attitude towards the usage and resistance among non-health professional students

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health challenge, particularly in developing nations, where antibiotic misuse is prevalent. This study evaluated non-health professional students’ knowledge and attitudes about antibiotic use and resistance. It examined the relationship between these scores and demographic factors, as well as the correlation between knowledge and attitude. This online descriptive cross-sectional survey included 400 graduate and postgraduate students in selected colleges of Udupi District, Karnataka, using a convenient sampling technique. Participants aged 18–25 completed surveys that evaluated their demographics, knowledge of antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance, and attitude regarding antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance. Ethical approval and informed consent were secured. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that 328 (82%) students were male, and 86% of the students had used antibiotics, and 47% had consumed antibiotics more than five times. Additionally, 56% of students were aware of antibiotic resistance. The majority demonstrated good knowledge (75.5%) and a positive attitude (96.5%) towards antibiotic use and resistance. Chi-square test showed an association between knowledge scores and demographic variables such as age, degree course, degree level, year of study, antibiotic usage pattern, and awareness regarding antibiotic resistance. The study concluded that non-health professional students possessed substantial knowledge and a positive attitude regarding antibiotic usage and resistance, highlighting the importance of public policies, continued education, and awareness programs to combat antibiotic resistance effectively. Raising awareness and campaigns, both nationally and internationally, can help people understand and use antibiotics more responsibly.