Knowledge and attitudes among medical students regarding the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance

Abstract

Introduction. Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria respond to the use of antibiotics and the range of antimicrobial drugs available to treat a particular condition is declining. Excessive and unmotivated use of antibacterial preparations has increased antimicrobial resistance and as a result of the increase in morbidity, mortality and price per case-treaty. Health education has been emphasised as part of reforms to strengthen the establishment of an efficient service system. Aim of study. Assessment of knowledge and practices about antibiotic resistance among medical students from Nicolae Testemitanu SUMPh. Methods and materials. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted.A standardised questionnaire was used to collect data about knowledge and attitudes related to RAM. Excel and MedCalc statistical programs were used to process the statistical data. Results. The research group included 485 students. One third of the group already had experience working in clinics as nurses. Mean AMR knowledge score in the environment 6.78 ± 2.56 (II: 95% = 6.25-6.78). More than half (56.4%) of the survey participants answered correctly to the questions regarding the antimicrobial practice. The knowledge score in students was correlated with accumulated experience in university clinics. The students mentioned the needs in practical / theoretical applications: 1) during class hours - 56.1% of cases; 2) applications in medical practice - 47.6% of cases; 3) subjects at the graduation exam - 35.9% of cases. Conclusion. A lack of knowledge about AMR was determined among students. This gap is associated with attitudes towards the RAM phenomenon. At the same time, this phenomenon influences the use of antimicrobial devices. Additional curriculum measures are needed, including specific additional clinical practices.