Abstract

Background: The correct implementation of Rational Drug Use and Rational Antibiotic Use principles is crucial for public health both globally and nationally. The development of effective policies and interventions requires studies evaluating societal perspectives on this issue. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, behaviors and attitudes of university students toward the rational antibiotic use, and to contribute to awareness raising when necessary.

Methods: A questionnaire comprising a demographic information form, items on medication use characteristics, and a scale assessing knowledge and attitude toward rational antibiotic use was administered to university students during the 2021-2022 academic year.

Results: A total of 1046 university students participated in the study. Most students reported reading medication instructions (77.1%) and using antibiotics only upon a physician’s recommendation (80.0%). Painkillers were the most frequently used medications (47.3%), followed by antibiotics (18.1%). Knowledge scores regarding rational antibiotic use did not differ significantly by gender, class level, economic status or parental education; however, students from the Faculty of Education demonstrated significantly higher knowledge levels (p<0.05). In contrast, attitude scores showed significant differences with male students, third-year students, and those with higher income levels exhibiting more positive attitudes toward rational antibiotic use (p<0.05). Additionally, students who used antibiotics only with a physician’s recommendation and those who avoided using medications prescribed to family members had significantly higher attitude scores (p<0.001).

Conclusion: These findings indicate that strengthening rational medication practices among university students requires not only theoretical education but also continuous awareness programs, which may contribute to improved medication use practices within similar academic settings.

Keywords: rational drug use, anti-bacterial agents, health knowledge, attitudes, practice, students, universities, surveys and questionnaires

License

Copyright (c) 2026 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

How to Cite

1.
Doğan AŞ, Arpacı Saylar B, Bulut H, Taşdelen AO, Yağmurcu E, Arslan E, et al. University students’ knowledge and attitudes toward rational antibiotic use: implications for public health education. J Trends Med Invest. 2025;1(3):84-96. https://doi.org/10.64512/JTMI.2025.19

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