Assessment of Knowledge and behavioral Beliefs Regarding Human Microbiota Among Pharmacy Students in Baghdad, Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Study

The human microbiota supports human metabolism in numerous ways and is crucial to health as well as disease. Individuals' lifestyle choices affect the diversity and composition of their microbiota, which in turn affects their health. Although there are few or no studies evaluating public understanding of microbiota, it is believed that this knowledge can encourage improved behavior. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess university students' knowledge of microbiota and how that knowledge affected their behavioral attitudes. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among students from the University of Baghdad/ College of Pharmacy, using an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included of 2 parts; general knowledge of microbiota (including 9 statements) and behavioral beliefs related to microbiota regarding the life style effect and the use of antibiotics and probiotics (including 6 statements). Three hundred responses were collected from verified students. Results from these responses using suitable statistical methods, showed that majority of participants displayed moderate knowledge score regarding the general knowledge of microbiota, and good knowledge regarding the behavioral beliefs and the participants were more aware of the effect of antibiotics on microbiota. The findings suggest that spreading knowledge about microbiota and microbiology in general can enhance antibiotic-use behaviors.