Public knowledge and misconceptions regarding antibiotic use and resistance in Jordan

Studying public knowledge regarding antibiotic use and resistance is beneficial in providing effective interventions to encourage responsible use of antibiotics. This study aimed to examine antibiotic misuse among Jordanian citizens and their awareness of the risks that this problem can cause. Between February 14, 2025, and May 13, 2025, an online cross-sectional survey study using Qualtrics software was conducted in Jordan. This study utilized a previously developed questionnaire tool to examine antibiotic and antibiotic resistance knowledge developed by the World Health Organization. A total of 654 participants were included in this research. The most commonly misunderstood conditions were sore throat and cold and flu, with 75.5% and 67.3% incorrectly believing they can be treated by antibiotics. The total mean score of antibiotic knowledge was 5.9 ± 2.2 out of 12 and 4.40 ± 1.3 for antibiotic resistance, indicating a moderate level of knowledge of both antibiotic use and resistance. Participants with a bachelor’s degree had significantly lower odds of antibiotic knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.29–0.91, P = .02). Participants who used antibiotics in the last 6 months or last year also demonstrated significantly lower odds of antibiotic knowledge (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.32–0.74, P = .001) and (AOR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.28–0.89, P = .02), respectively. Participants with an income between 500 and 1000 had a significantly higher odds of possessing antibiotic resistance knowledge (AOR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.01–2.51, P = .04). Participants who worked in the medical field and were university students had a significantly higher odd of antibiotic resistance knowledge (AOR = 4.54, 95% CI = 1.74–11.84, P = .002) and (AOR = 2.98, 95% CI = 1.09–8.13, P = .03), respectively. Participants who obtained their antibiotics from a doctor or nurse the last time had a significantly higher odd of possessing antibiotic resistance knowledge (AOR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.46–3.49, P < .001). This study indicates a moderate level of knowledge of both antibiotic use and resistance among Jordanian citizens. The public has several misconceptions regarding antibiotic use, resistance, obtaining, and prescribing. Comprehensive public education programs that consider these factors and the identified misconceptions are recommended to enhance understanding regarding antibiotic use and resistance among the Jordanian public.