Awareness of bacterial antibiotic resistance among university students in Salah Al-Dean Governorate
Ali R. Medhat, Majid M. Hassoon, Mustafa T. AlbaldawyBACKGROUND:
The investigating of university students’ awareness about bacterial antibiotic resistance are significant for universal health status. This study aimed to investigating the awareness among university students’ about bacterial antibiotic resistance and to find out the association between the socio-demographic characteristics of university students’ and their level of awareness about bacterial antibiotic resistance.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A descriptive analytical study design, which is using the assessment approach, has been conducted at both public and private universities in Salah Al-Dean Governorate in order to investigate the university students’ awareness about bacterial antibiotic resistance from April 6
th
, 2025 to June 23
rd
, 2025. A multistage sample technique “non-probability” convenient sample (172) University Students’ distributed in Salah Al-Dean Governorate. A questionnaire designed depending on review text books, WHO guidelines, and related lectures and researches (WHO, 2015), it consisted of two parts: the first one socio-demographic information and second part include awareness of University Students’. Content validity and internal consistency reliability are determined for the present study instrument throughout a pilot study. Data are collected throughout the utilization of the study instrument and the structured interview technique (face to face paper), and using google form as data collection method. The data of the study have been entered and analyzed by the utilization of descriptive statistical data analysis approach which includes (frequencies, percentages, total scores and ranges inferential statistical data analysis approach of (Cronbach alpha correlation coefficient (
RESULTS:
The study results indicate that most university students’ in Salah Al-Dean Governorate have experienced good level of awareness about the bacterial antibiotic resistance, though, awareness was notably low for specific items, including: (10) taking antibiotics for viral infections, (16) the cause of common cold and influenza, and (17) stopping antibiotics when feeling better. The remaining items presented a moderate level of awareness.
CONCLUSION:
The study concludes that the most of the participants’ in both public and private universities have a satisfactory level of awareness about bacterial antibiotic resistance in Salah Al-Dean Governorate, consistent with CDC and WHO health policy standards. Sustained educational endeavors and combination of antibiotic stewardship principles in university curriculum programs are recommended to continue this awareness and ensure the rational of antibiotic use.