Knowledge and Attitude towards Antibiotic Use among College Students in Jatinangor
Abstract: Lack of knowledge
about antibiotics cause people to have a misconception about the use of
antibiotics. This may potentially lead to inappropriate use of antibiotics in
the community, which is the major reason for the spread of antibiotic
resistance. This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes toward
antibiotic usage among non-medical students in Jatinangor.
Methods: This study used a cross-sectional, questionnaire based survey
conducted among non-medical college students in Jatinangor, sub-district of
Sumedang regency, from September to October 2013. Samples were selected using
convenience sampling method, with a total number of 250 samples.
Results: More than half of the
respondents (56.4%) had a poor knowledge regarding antibiotic use. Respondents
who knew that antibiotics was indicated to treat bacterial infections reached
75.2%, although 58.4% of respondents still believed that antibiotics could be
used in viral infection. In terms of antibiotic resistance, 72% of respondents
were aware that overused of antibiotics could cause antibiotic resistance. In
addition, respondents were generally found to have more positive attitudes
toward antibiotics with results over 50%, whereas more than one-third of the
respondents wrongly self-medicated themselves with antibiotics.
Conclusions: This study reveals that most of the respondents have poor
knowledge regarding antibiotics. Almost half of the respondents have a negative
attitude regarding the use of antibiotics. Educational interventions are needed
to promote prudent use of antibiotics among the college students.
Keywords: Antibiotic use,
attitude, Jatinangor, knowledge
Author: Brama Fimanggara,
Istriati, Rizki Diposarosa
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg160243
