Knowledge of Antibiotic Resistance among Students of Khwaja Yunus Ali Nursing College

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a major global public health problem driven largely by irrational antibiotic use. Nursing students, as future healthcare providers, need adequate knowledge about appropriate antibiotic use and resistance. Objective(s): To assess the knowledge of antibiotic resistance among students of Khwaja Yunus Ali Nursing College. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 students of Khwaja Yunus Ali Nursing College. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, antibiotic use, knowledge of antibiotics, awareness of antibiotic resistance, and related practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables and figures. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 20.58±2.76 years, and most (65.8%) were aged 18-20 years. The majority (65.8%) were B. Sc. in Nursing students, and 33.3% were in the fourth year. Most respondents (80.8%) had used antibiotics before. While 70.0% correctly identified antibiotics as being used for bacterial infections, the same proportion incorrectly believed that antibiotics are also used for viral infections, and 56.7% thought they are effective against fungal infections. Overall, 65.8% knew about antibiotic resistance, and 64.2% recognized it as a global health problem. Moreover, 32.5% reported taking antibiotics without a doctor’s advice, while 77.5% completed the full course. Conclusion: Nursing students had a fair level of knowledge regarding antibiotic resistance, but important misconceptions and inappropriate practices remained. Strengthening education on rational antibiotic use and resistance is recommended.  

KYANCJ 2026; 07 (01): 32-38