KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF ANTIBIOTIC AS SELF-MEDICATION AMONG MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL STUDENTS

K. P. Nivetha*, Arun Kumar S. P., Beena Bharathi S. R., Vaishnavi K. and Dr. S. Kannan

Background: Antibiotics are essential therapeutic agents used to treat bacterial infections and, in some cases, protozoal infections. With diverse sources including natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic, antibiotics play a critical role in healthcare across all age groups, from neonates to the elderly, and during pregnancy or lactation. However, over the years, the emergence of antibiotic resistance has become a major global challenge, compromising the effectiveness of existing antibiotics and leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Self-medication, particularly the misuse of antibiotics, is a key contributor to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with individuals often using antibiotics without proper medical guidance or adhering to incomplete dosage regimens. This practice, common in both developed and developing countries, further exacerbates the issue. In developing nations like India, the inappropriate use of antibiotics without prescription is widespread, contributing significantly to AMR. While self-medication may offer short-term convenience and cost savings, it often results in harmful consequences, including increased resistance and side effects. Objective: To evaluate the student knowledge about antibiotics including, their interaction, side effect and resistance. To determine the student awareness of the potential risk associated with the misuse and over use of the antibiotics. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at medical and non-medical students in Erode district, Tamil Nadu. The study was conducted at medical students and non-medical students of different colleges at Erode district. The sample size was calculated by using RAO-software online sample calculator. The calculated sample was 278, with a confidence level of 95%, a margin of error of 5%, and a response distribution of 50%. During the data collection period, a total of 1000 students participated, reducing the margin of error to 0.5%. Result: The medical students have 89.91% knowledge about antibiotic as compared to non-medical students have 60.07% of knowledge about antibiotic. From the above medical students have knowledge about antibiotic so they are not taking antibiotic as self-medication without doctor’s consultation (93.52%) whereas non-medical students (56.47%) are not taking antibiotic as self-medication and knowledge about antibiotic resistance the medical students have 64.02% and non-medical students have 22.66% and medical students have more knowledge about antibiotic resistance so 61.87% medical students does not recommend the leftover antibiotic to others compared to non-medical students of 61.57% having less knowledge about antibiotic resistance. The overall average of knowledge of antibiotic and antibiotic resistance medical students having 77.33% and non-medical students having 50.16%. Conclusion: The results emphasize the need for public education programs, stricter regulations on antibiotic sales, and interventions targeting students to promote responsible antibiotic use.