Evaluating the knowledge about risks of using unprescribed antibiotics among University students in in Najaf, Iraq

Background: One of the main causes of the emergence of antibiotic resistance is the irrational use of antibiotics. Previous research from Iraq showed that people were using antibiotics irrationally. Objectives: Our goal is to assess the Islamic University in Najaf, Iraq's present antibiotic usage knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors as well as the causes of resistance development. Methods: Medical and non-medical students at the University of Islamic participated in a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire. Of the participants, 53.9% were women and 46.1% were men. Results: 28.1% of medical students and 44% of non-medical students concurred that antibiotics treat viral illnesses and common colds. 37.5% of students received antibiotic prescriptions over the phone, 31.2% asked doctors for antibiotic prescriptions, and almost 61% of students did not finish their most recent course of antibiotics. Conclusion: Students were found to have gaps in their understanding, attitudes, and practices around the usage of antibiotics. These gaps should be filled by national education initiatives to raise understanding of appropriate antibiotic usage and how it relates to drug resistance. Antibiotic laws must be strictly enforced nationally, focusing on counter-sale and lowering high rates of use and self-medication.