Knowledge and Awareness of Antibiotic Resistance Among Dental Students-A Questionnaire Based Study

Antibiotics are types of antibacterial agents which are used in treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. Either they may kill, or they inhibit the growth of bacteria. Therefore, they are essential part in both prophylactic and as treatment modalities in documented as well as suspected infections [1]. In dental practice, mostly antibiotics are given after oral surgical and periodontal procedures, so it considered as lifesaving drugs. However, it also has some unfavourable side effects ranging from gastrointestinal disturbances to fatal anaphylactic shock.

Inappropriate, indiscriminate use of antibiotics has led to the development of antibiotic resistance. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that there is a direct relationship between antibiotic consumption and the emergence and dissemination of resistant bacteria strains [1]. Resistance can also occur spontaneously through mutation [2]. Despite warnings regarding overuse, antibiotics are overprescribed worldwide [1,3,4]. A trend of indulging in self-medication has also been noticed among the educated population of some developing countries such as India [3]. There are multiple studies carried out across the world that have shown that antibiotics are not used prudently for various dental infections, and it has led to multiple complications including development of resistance. Considering this scenario, it is high time to create awareness, and to fill the gap about different dimensions of antibiotic uses. It is particularly as important to share this knowledge with the budding. Therefore, in this study, evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practice among dental students towards use of antibiotics was carried out.

The study was a cross-sectional survey. A questionnaire was prepared in English that contained questions about antibiotics, antibiotics resistance, its causes, prevention and its side effects. The questionnaire contained 11 questions and was distributed among 85 dental students of Final year, studying at VSPM Dental College and Hospital. The questionnaire was distributed online. The data was collected, tabulated and statistically analyzed.

78.8% student knew about antibiotics by definition (Figure 1). 36.5% repeated the same antibiotics for the next time using previous prescription (Figure 2). 43.5% consumed antibiotics without prescription (Figure 3). 71.8% completed the prescribed antibiotics dose (Figure 4). 36.9% stopped consuming antibiotics once the symptoms subside (Figure 5). 22.4% think that antibiotics can be taken during viral infection (Figure 6). 94.1% (Figure 7) knew about antibiotic resistance of which 71.8% think it is due to over usage as well as incomplete antibiotic course (Figure 8). 56.5% knew about prevention of antibiotic resistance (Figure 9). 49.4% knew about the side effects of antibiotic consumption (Figure 10). 87.1% showed interest in attending seminars based on awareness about antibiotic and its resistance (Figure 11).

Figure 1: What are antibiotics?

Figure 2:Do you repeat same antibiotics for next time using previous prescription?

Figure 3:Do you ever consume antibiotics without prescription?

Figure 4: Do you always complete the prescribed dose of antibiotics?

Figure 5:Do you stop consuming antibiotics once the symptoms subside?

Figure 6:Do you think antibiotics should be taken during viral infections?

Figure 7: Do you know about antibiotic resistance?

Figure 8:Do you know the cause of antibiotic resistance?

Figure 9: Do you know about prevention of antibiotic resistance?

Figure 10: Do you know about the side effects of excess antibiotic consumption?

Figure 11:Would you like to attend any seminar based on awareness about antibiotics and it’s resistance?

Indiscriminate use of antibiotics or incompletion of prescribed antibiotic dose are the reason for antibiotic resistance. Incorrectly prescribed antibiotics have questionable therapeutic benefit and expose patients to potential complications of antibiotic therapy [5,6]. Changes in antibiotic-induced gene expression can increase virulence, while increased mutagenesis and Horizontal gene transfer promote antibiotic resistance and spread [7-9].

In this study, 78.8% student knew about antibiotics by definition which is similar to other studies [10]. Study done by Shivanni [11] suggested that 53% students used antibiotics for the next time by using previous prescription but in present study this percentage is less (36.5%). 43.5% consumed antibiotics without prescription which is similar to the other studies done by various authors, it could be because many of them were unsure about the side effects of the excess antibiotic consumption [4,5,9,10]. (Figure 3). In this study 71.8% completed the prescribed antibiotics dose which is in accordance with study done by Shivanni [11] and higher than some other studies [4,5,9,10]. 36.9% students stopped consuming antibiotics once the symptoms subsided (Figure 5). Only 22.4% students think that antibiotics can be taken during viral infection (Figure 6).

A study was conducted in Chennai among dental students to check knowledge and awareness about antibiotic resistance usage and emerging drug resistance bacteria where it was found that 62% of people are aware about the method of controlling antibiotic resistance whereas in this study 94.1% knew about antibiotic resistance. In this study 71.8% students knew the cause of developing antibiotic resistance (Figure 8).

A similar study done, to know about knowledge, awareness and prevention of antibiotic resistance and causes among dental students of Saveetha Dental College, where it was found that 74% of the students knew the importance of prevention of antibiotic resistance, 52% knew about the consequences of antibiotic resistance [10]. In this study the percentage of prevention of antibiotic resistance and side effects of antibiotic consumption are respectively 56.5% (Figure 9) and 49.4% (Figure 10) which is on lower side. Major percentage of students (87.1%) showed willingness to attend a seminar so as to increase awareness about antibiotic resistance.

In our study, majority of the students knew about correct definition of antibiotics, about antibiotic resistance and its causes. They also knew about prevention of antibiotic resistance, but a significant percentage of students did not apply their knowledge when using antibiotics and many of them were unsure about the side effects of excess antibiotic consumption.

Major percentage of students had good knowledge about antibiotic and antibiotic resistance but, Many of them consumed antibiotics without prescription and used previous prescription to take antibiotics and many of times did not complete the of prescribed antibiotic dose may be the reason for resistance. Thus, it is required that the students must be educated about consumption of antibiotics so as to prevent antibiotic resistance. Sensitization should be done through educational interventions. Awareness among students will be created by conducting CMEs, and workshops on regular basis. Since the present study involved only Final year dental students, further research can be undertaken to assess and compare the knowledge of postgraduate dental students on antibiotics.

Nil.

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