Understanding antimicrobial usage and stewardship among future healthcare professionals in Nigeria

Abstract Background: Healthcare students, as future prescribers and dispensers of antimicrobials, have a crucial role to play in mitigating the menace of inappropriate use of antibiotics. Previous research involving health care students has revealed a knowledge-practice gap and indicated the need for educational interventions to enhance students' understanding and awareness of antibiotic stewardship. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of antimicrobial usage and ways to mitigate irrational antibiotic usage among undergraduate students at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare. Materials and methods: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design, with 329 undergraduate students sampled using a consecutive random sampling technique. Data were collected using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire created in Google Forms and distributed to the sampled students. The students were from different departments (Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, Nutrition, Nursing sciences, and Radiography) within the university. The study was conducted within six months. Result: Majority 223 (69.5%) of the students were within the age range of 15-20 years with a mean age of 21years + 2SD. The majority, 195(60.9%) of the students were female. The students demonstrated sufficient knowledge of antimicrobial agents; however, they lacked a clear understanding of the indications for their use. Additionally, one-third 117 (36.7%) of the students disagree that antibiotics should be used to treat febrile illnesses. The participants demonstrated good knowledge of ways to mitigate the use of irrational antibiotics. Percentages of fully correct answers (“agree” or “disagree” depending on the statement) were higher than 90% in all the statements proposed, except for antibiotics, which should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor, who has 88.8% response rate. Conclusion: Even though the students might possess some out dated behavior regarding antimicrobial usage but they demonstrated good knowledge about antimicrobial use and ways to mitigate irrational use of antibiotics. We therefore recommend a structured study that would enhance student knowledge in this context.