Work

Evaluating the knowledge about risks of using unprescribed antibiotics among University students in in Najaf, Iraq

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: One of the main causes of the emergence of antibiotic resistance is the irrational use of antibiotics. Previous research from Iraq showed that people were using antibiotics irrationally. Objectives: Our goal is to assess the Islamic University in Najaf, Iraq's present antibiotic usage knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors as well as the causes of resistance development. Methods: Medical and non-medical students at the University of Islamic participated in a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire. Of the participants, 53.9% were women and 46.1% were men. Results: 28.1% of medical students and 44% of non-medical students concurred that antibiotics treat viral illnesses and common colds. 37.5% of students received antibiotic prescriptions over the phone, 31.2% asked doctors for antibiotic prescriptions, and almost 61% of students did not finish their most recent course of antibiotics. Conclusion: Students were found to have gaps in their understanding, attitudes, and practices around the usage of antibiotics. These gaps should be filled by national education initiatives to raise understanding of appropriate antibiotic usage and how it relates to drug resistance. Antibiotic laws must be strictly enforced nationally, focusing on counter-sale and lowering high rates of use and self-medication.

Source: Microbes and Infectious Diseases /Microbes and Infectious Diseases

DOI: 10.21608/mid.2025.443179.3466

Authors: Haider A. Alnaji, Issraa Ghanim AL-KAHFAJI, Rasha Hussein Oudah, Alkarrar Kais Abduljaleel, Abbas F. Almulla, Maryam R. Mansor, Rasha Saad Toma, Ismael Mohammed Alsaadi, Mohammed Qasim Salih Mahdi, Dhuhah H. Abdul-Jawad, Estabraq Hassan Badder Al-Muhanna, Baraa Akeel Al-Hasan, Ghadeer Sabah Bustani, H S Naher, Haider AH Al-Mhanaa

Institutions: Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Al-Mustaqbal University, Islamic University of Najaf, Imam Ja’afar Al-Sadiq University, University of Kufa, Jabir Ibn Hayyan University for Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Antibiotic Use and Resistance

Subfield: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7117452132

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