Determinants of antibiotic self-administration and knowledge, attitude and practice toward antibiotic resistance among students of private university, Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a significant global health challenge, exacerbated by the misuse of antibiotics, including self-administration. This cross-sectional study investigated the determinants of antibiotic self-administration and assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward ABR among private university students in Bangladesh. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire, employing a simple random sampling technique to select participants. The final sample comprised 460 students, ensuring representation of diverse demographic and academic backgrounds. Findings revealed widespread self-administration of antibiotics, with 39.2% of respondents reporting the practice within the past year. Key determinants included gender, age, socioeconomic status, and prior antibiotic use, with middle-class students and those in healthcare-related fields demonstrating higher prevalence. Although 95.8% correctly identified common antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin, misconceptions were prevalent—29.8% and 33.2% incorrectly classified aspirin and paracetamol as antibiotics, respectively. Additionally, while 92.6% understood antibiotics' role in treating bacterial infections, 58.6% erroneously believed they were effective against viral infections. Attitudinal analysis indicated that 73.6% of respondents recognized ABR as a personal and familial health concern, and 82.5% emphasized the need for enhanced education on antibiotic misuse. However, risky practices persisted, including storing leftover antibiotics for future use (65.1%), purchasing antibiotics without prescriptions (41.8%), and discontinuing treatment upon symptom relief (62.1%). This study underscores the urgent need for targeted educational interventions to address misconceptions, promote responsible antibiotic use, and mitigate ABR. Policymakers must enforce stricter regulations on antibiotic sales and integrate ABR education into university curricula. Addressing these challenges is critical for safeguarding public health and achieving sustainable antibiotic stewardship.