Development and initial validation of the antibiotic use behavior assessment questionnaire based on the com-b model among university students

Antibiotic resistance is a serious threat to global health and is estimated to cause 10 million deaths per year by 2050. Therefore, this study aimed to design a comprehensive, valid, and reliable antibiotic use behavior questionnaire based on the COM-B model theory. The research method used was a cross-sectional observational study with a purposive sampling technique. A total of 258 participants aged 18 years and ovlder received the questionnaire. They were selected using convenience sampling from various population groups. Data analysis was performed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Factor extraction was conducted using principal component analysis and varimax rotation. The research results showed that there are 6were six valid constructs and 17 statement items. The six constructs that emerged were identity (professional and objective), social pressure, subjective, peer support, behavior, and emotion. Cronbach’s alpha reliability testing showed that most constructs had values above 0.70, indicating they were reliable. These results suggest that the COM-B model antibiotic use behavior questionnaire is both valid and reliable. The implications of this research indicate that the developed questionnaire can be used to identify antibiotic use behavior based on the capability, opportunity, and motivation components making it easier for healthcare professionals and educators to provide more targeted interventions or guidance.