Knowledge, beliefs and habits of public university students from Southern Serbia regarding usage of antibiotics

Misuse of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance have become a serious threat to global health. This study aimed to assess knowledge, beliefs and habits of university students regarding antibiotics and compare answers between students coming from rural and urban areas in a location where no similar studies have been conducted to date. Data was gathered using an online survey and tested for statistically significant difference using Chi-squared test. The study followed the Helsinki Declaration principles. A total of 360 students participated. A large number (84.4%) has correctly identified antibiotics as effective against bacteria and have distinguished well between antibiotics and other types of medicines. Only 12.5% believe therapy can be interrupted when the symptoms fade, but 31.4% believe antibiotics help with most diseases. As much as 59.7% have bought antibiotics without a prescription, and 45.8% have admitted to premature treatment interruption. Many take antibiotics on travels for emergencies (62.5%). There was no statistically significant difference related to the domicile of the students (p>0.05). In conclusion, students demonstrated relatively acceptable knowledge and beliefs on antibiotics, which are not reflected in practice. The domicile of students does not influence their knowledge nor habits. Campaigns are needed to promote awareness on antimicrobial resistance as students’ habits are not satisfactory.