Antimicrobial resistance and rational use of medicine :

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important global health concern, projected to contribute to signicant mortality, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, perceptions of clinical health professions students towards antimicrobial resistance and rational use of medicine and condence level to prescribe antimicrobials. Methods: An online descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among clinical health professions students across 9 medical schools in Uganda. A semi-structured questionnaire using Kobo Toolbox form was shared among participants via WhatsApp Messenger (Meta, California, USA). Knowledge was categorized using modied Bloom’s cut-off. One-way ANOVA, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, and logistic regression were used to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. A p<0.05 was considered statistically signicant. Results: We surveyed 681 participants, most were pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree (n=433, 63.6%), with a mean age of 24 (standard deviation: 3.6) years. Most participants (n=596, 87.5%) had sucient knowledge about antimicrobial resistance with a mean score of 85 ± 14.2%. There was a signicant difference in mean knowledge scores of year 4 (86.6%) compared to year 3 (82.4%) (p=0.002) and year 5 (88.0%) compared to year 3 (82.4%) (p<0.001). Most participants (n=456, 66.9%), were condent on making an accurate diagnosis of infection, and choosing the correct antimicrobial agent to use (n=484, 71.1%). Conclusion: Health profession students exhibited good knowledge on antimicrobial resistance and high self-perceived condence on antimicrobial prescriptions however they still agreed that a separated course unit on AMR is necessary. Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance, rational use of medicine, health profession students, Knowledge.