Knowledge of Antimicrobial Resistance and Abuse among Students of Ebonyi State University Abakaliki

Abstract

Background information: Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens. This study exposes the level of knowledge of AMR and the abuse of antimicrobial drugs as well, identifies areas for intervention to limit the continued development of resistant microbes for the benefit of humans, animals and environment alike. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used over a period of 4 months. Using selection criteria and multistage sampling method for selection of undergraduate students of Ebonyi State University. Information was obtained using a previously tested questionnaire and focus group discussion. Chi-square test was used to ascertain the relationship between variables. Level of statistical significance was determined by P value <0.05. Multivariate logistics analysis was conducted to determine the variables influencing the knowledge of AMR Results: A total of 409 students filled and returned the questionnaire. A total number of 316 (75.1%) of the students have good knowledge of antimicrobial resistance. A total number of 393 (93.3%) of the students have positive attitude towards antimicrobial resistance. The causes of incomplete medication as identified by the students 111 (26.4%) always stop taking antibiotics when they feel better, 115 (27.3%) always takes antibiotics when they face allergic reaction, and 174 (41.3%) sometimes because they forget to take medicine properly. Conclusion: Undergraduate students of Ebonyi State University have good knowledge of AMR (75.1%), they have positive attitude towards antimicrobials (93.3%). The relationship between the gender of the students, the campus/faculty, and the level of study of the student were found to be statistically significant. The study showed a high rate of consumption of antimicrobials, particularly antibiotics among university undergraduates who mostly obtain their antibiotics without a physician’s prescription from unofficial sources without a culture and sensitivity test, and do not complete their course of antibiotic therapy.