ABSTRACT
Background: The misuse and overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance. Thus, it is important to have adequate knowledge and attitude toward antibiotic use and resistance for all specially the medical students who are the future healthcare practitioners. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude toward antibiotic use and resistance among 4th year students of Shaheed Monsur Ali medical college. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Shaheed Monsur Ali medical college, Dhaka, Bangladesh from October 2022 to December 2022. A structured questionnaire was administered to 126 randomly selected undergraduate medical students. Results: In our study, the percentage of male and female was same. Majority of the participants (55.56%) always get a prescription before starting antibiotics. Most of the participants (60.32%) never stop taking the prescribed antibiotics after their symptoms improved. Majority of the participants (54.76%) sometimes completed the course of the prescribed antibiotic treatment. In our study, majority of the participants (54.76%) sometimes take the correct dose of their antibiotics at the right time for the full duration. In this study, majority of the participants (47.62%) never save the remaining antibiotics for next time they get sick. Majority of the participants (73.02%) sometimes give leftover medication to friends or family if they get sick. For cough or sore throat, majority of the participants (48.41%) sometimes prefer taking an antibiotic. Most of the participants (69.05%) never buy the same antibiotics if they are sick that helped them get better when they had the same symptoms before. Most of the participants (96.03%) always check the expiry date of the antibiotic before using it. Knowledge level of antibiotic in majority of the participants (47.62%) was very good. Knowledge level of antibiotic resistance in majority of the participants (54.76%) was very good. Attitude level of antibiotic usage in majority of the participants (34.13%) was average, followed by 32.54% had bad, 32.54% good attitude level. Conclusion: From the findings of the study, it can be concluded though the knowledge level of the medical students is adequate, they are not careful about the usage of antibiotics and often misuse it. The students tend to not follow the rules of the usage guideline of antibiotics which ultimately results in antibiotic resistance. They should be more conscious to follow the guidelines of antibiotic usage.