Publication:

Knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication with antibiotics among first-year and third-year medical students: a questionnaire-based study

Background Self-medication (SM) involves using medicines without consulting a doctor, which can lead to wrong diagnosis, harmful interactions and delays in proper treatment. The market value of self-medication was estimated to be USD 87.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 200.5 billion by 2032. Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a critical global concern in today’s world. One of the causes of antibiotic resistance is self-medication. This study assesses knowledge, attitude, and practice of antibiotic self-medication among first and third-year medical students.

Methods This study was a cross-sectional, survey-based study conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication with antibiotics among first-year and third-year medical students at a tertiary care teaching hospital in India. The data for this study were collected through a self-designed, semi-structured, pre-validated questionnaire circulated through Google Forms to medical students.

Results A majority of students from both academic years demonstrated awareness that antibiotics are organism-specific. However, the understanding of the ineffectiveness of antibiotics against viral infections was higher among third-year students than among first-year students. Students in both first-year and third-year groups identified textbooks as the primary source of information about antibiotics.

Conclusions This study highlights a significant gap between the knowledge and practical application of antibiotic use among first-year and third-year medical students. To address this, targeted educational interventions are essential, including formal training, workshops and the establishment of specific courses on antibiotic use.