The Impact of the Lifting of COVID-19 Restrictions on College Students’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) in Self-Medication with Antibacterial Agents

Objective: This study aims to investigate the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of college students regarding self-medication with antibacterial agents before and after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, as well as the impact of the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions on college students’ KAP towards self-medication with antibacterial agents. We analyze the factors influencing college students’ self-medication with antibacterial agents and provide relevant reference data for the rational use of antibacterial agents for self-medication among college students. Methods: Non-probability sampling methods, including convenience sampling and quota sampling, were employed to collect data samples. College students were invited to participate in an online questionnaire survey that they completed independently, and the data were entered into Excel software for statistical analysis using SPSS 26.0 software. Results: Independent samples t-test and analysis of variance revealed that, before the lifting of pandemic restrictions, female college students scored higher than male students in KAP towards self-medication with antibacterial agents, with all differences being statistically significant (P<0.05). However, after the lifting of pandemic restrictions, the gender differences in these aspects diminished; College students from rural areas scored significantly higher than their urban counterparts in the knowledge of antibacterial agents both before and after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions (P<0.05); Moreover, medical students had significantly higher attitude scores compared to science and engineering students before the lifting of pandemic restrictions (P<0.05), while social science students scored significantly higher in practice compared to science and engineering students both before and after the lifting of pandemic restrictions (P<0.05). Paired samples t-test indicated a significant improvement in knowledge and practice towards self-medication with antibacterial agents after the lifting of pandemic restrictions, with attitude showing no significant change. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that, before the pandemic, there were significant differences in KAP based on gender and grade. However, after experiencing the pandemic, there were no longer significant differences in KAP among different genders and different grades, and this could be attributed to the impact of health education and campaigns during the pandemic. Conclusion: The lifting of COVID-19 restrictions has had a positive impact on college students’ knowledge and practice towards self-medication with antibacterial agents. Before and after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, the KAP of college students regarding self-medication with antibacterial agents were influenced by multiple factors. One important measure to enhance the rational use of antibacterial agents for self-medication among college students is to conduct health education courses in universities. Public health should pay attention to online media channels.