Peculiarities of antimicrobials use among medical students

Abstract

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important Public Health issue. Inappropriate use of antibiotics is leading cause of AMR development. Based on the significant impact of AMR on Public Health at national and global level, it is necessary to carry out studies on medico-social peculiarities of AMR.Purpose: Studying the particularities of antimicrobial consumption among medical students.Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Epidemiological and statistical methods of study were used. A questionnaire on antimicrobial consumption was developed. To carry out the study, 164 national and international students form Nicolae Testemitanu SUMPh were interviewed. Data were processed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS Statistics softwares. Results: Medical students participating in this study were from Republic of Moldova – 90 (54,9%) and International – 74 (45,1%). When asked if they ever used antibiotics, the students answered: yes–84.14% (95% CI: 77.63-89.37); 14.64% (95% CI: 9.61-20.99); don’t know–1.22% (95% CI: 0.15-4.34).42.68% (95% CI: 35.00-50.63) students think that AMR can spread from animal to human, 24.39% (95% CI: 18.03-31.70). students consider that this is not possible and 32.93% (95% CI: 25.80-40.69) students don’t know. 30.49% (95% CI: 23.55-38.15) students think that AMR can spread from human to human, 32.93% (95% CI: 25.80-40.69) students consider that AMR does not spread from person to person and 35.59% (95% CI: 28.28-43.43) students don’t know.54.88% (95% CI: 46.93-62.65) students agree that AMR a big problem worldwide nowadays, 18.29% (95% CI: 12.69-25.07) don’t agree, and 14.63% (95% CI: 9.60-20.98) don’t know.Conclusions: It is important to know how to use rational antibiotics. This study has shown that medical students have certain knowledge and practice regarding antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use, but also further information and awareness about the rational consumption of antibiotics is still needed.