Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Antibiotic Use Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Review

Abstract

Inappropriate antibiotic use contributes significantly to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, a growing global public health concern. University students represent an important population because they often make independent healthcare decisions and can influence health behaviors within their communities.This paper aims to examine current knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to antibiotic use among university students and to identify areas where educational interventions may improve responsible antibiotic use.Antibiotics have transformed the treatment of infectious diseases; however, their misuse continues to accelerate antimicrobial resistance worldwide. University students frequently access healthcare services, self-medicate, and share health information through social networks, making their understanding of antibiotic use particularly relevant. This review summarizes common patterns of antibiotic knowledge, misconceptions regarding viral infections, attitudes toward physician prescriptions, and self-medication practices reported across different educational settings. Evidence suggests that while many students recognize the importance of antibiotics in treating bacterial infections, misconceptions regarding treatment duration, prescription sharing, and antibiotic effectiveness against viral illnesses remain common. Educational background, previous healthcare exposure, and access to reliable health information influence antibiotic-related behaviors. Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship education within university curricula may improve responsible antibiotic use and contribute to reducing antimicrobial resistance. Further multicenter studies are recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of targeted educational interventions across diverse student populations.

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