An Evaluation of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Behaviour to Pharmacovigilance in the Use of Antibiotics of Students in the Health Sciences Field
Abstract
Background: Antibiotic resistance is a major problem worldwide. Misuse of antibiotics increases bacterial resistance. Therefore, pharmacovigilance education may contribute to rational antibiotic use. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and behaviour about pharmacovigilance in the use of antibiotics of university students in the field of Health Sciences and to determine related factors. Method: This cross-sectional study was derived from a population of 2111 students in the field of Health Sciences during the 2019-2020 academic year. Using a simple randomization method, the sample included 1006 students who volunteered to participate in the study. Results: A total of 682 (67.8%) students reported that they had used antibiotics within the last 6 months and only 1 in 5 (20%) of the students had recommended others to use any antibiotic. According to the level of knowledge about antibiotic use, 64.2% of students considered antibiotics appropriate for viral infections. Recovery from coughs and colds was not thought to be accelerated by antibiotics according to 30.1% of the students, whereas half stated that they completed the antibiotic dose in treatment even if they felt well. Unused antibiotics were reported to remain in the home by 56.5% of the students. A statistically significant difference was determined between the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours about antibiotic use of students who had and had not received education about pharmacovigilance. Conclusion: The provision of pharmacovigilance education in all university departments and programs would make a positive contribution to rational drug use.
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