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Sobierajski T, Wanke-Rytt M, Mazińska B, Karpierz K, Hryniewicz W. The Knowledge on antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance among Polish medical students. Eur J Public Health 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz186.517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to public health worldwide, compromising ability to treat infections. Medical students as a future doctors will have an important role to play in preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to analyse the knowledge and attitudes of Polish medical students towards antibiotics and AMR.
Methods
A questionnaire containing 24 questions, on medical students’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of antibiotic prescribing and antibiotic resistance was developed. The survey was conducted in May-June 2018 among medical students of Medical University of Warsaw at various years of their studies.
Results
The study group consisted of 291 students (70% women, 30% men). Forty six of the students had used antibiotics within the previous 12 months. The prevailing reasons for taking an antibiotic were: pharyngitis (25%), bronchitis (12,8%), sore throat (12%), cough (8.3%), pneumonia (7.9%), urinary tract infection (7.6%), cold (6.6%). Ninety-two percent of the respondents considered AMR to be a significant problem, and 7.9% stated it will become in the future. Four percent of respondents believed that antibiotics are effective in treating common cold. The majority of students (83.5%) expressed the opinion that doctors often prescribe an antibiotic without need. Most respondents think that too frequent prescription and low awareness of the consequences of their overuse have an impact on the rise and spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria. The vast majority of respondents (80%) declared that university studies enabled the gaining of a wider knowledge about the use of antibiotics. The vast majority of respondents (92.4%) indicated a willingness to extend their knowledge on antibiotic use.
Conclusions
Medical students are aware that AMR is a growing problem resulting in diminishing treatment options. The results of the study should be taken into future education programs.
Key messages
Medical students have a good understanding of the health risk of AMR but consider antibiotics for viral infections. More training on rationale antibiotic use included in the curriculum is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sobierajski
- Faculty of Applied Social Sciences and Resocialisation, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Wanke-Rytt
- The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - B Mazińska
- Department of Epidemiology and Clinical Microbiology, National Medicines Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - K Karpierz
- The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - W Hryniewicz
- Department of Epidemiology and Clinical Microbiology, National Medicines Institute, Warsaw, Poland
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Mazińska B, Strużycka I, Bachanek T, Bołtacz-Rzepkowska E, Droździk A, Grocholewicz K, Kaczmarek U, Kochańska B, Mielczarek A, Pytko-Polończyk J, Surdacka A, Tanasiewicz M, Waszkiel D, Hryniewicz W. Knowledge of antibiotic therapy among dental students in Polish medical universities. Eur J Public Health 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckw174.232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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