Knowledge, Motivation, and Behavior of the Prudent Use of Antibiotics Among Dental Profession Programs
Fathimah Azzahra Attamimi1, Chaerita Maulani2* Ahmad Ronal3 Dede Arsista4

1 Departement of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Yarsi, Indonesia
2 Departement of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Yarsi, Indonesia
3Departement of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Yarsi, Indonesia
4Departement of Dental Material, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Yarsi, Indonesia

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance takes place when bacteria adapt and become resistant to antibiotics. Due to antibiotic resistance, the medications become less effective for cure. Dental students^ knowledge and behaviors toward antibiotic use must be considered given that they will prescribe antibiotics in the future. In this research, we aim to seek the level of knowledge, opportunities, motivation, behaviors, and campaigns on antibiotics in dental students. A cross-sectional study was carried out among dental students in four universities in Jakarta. The questionnaire is based on previous validated research. The minimal subjects were 40 respondents per university. High knowledge level was defined as above the median score. The data were presented as descriptive and analytical. Among 218 participants, 72.9% had a high knowledge of antibiotics. University D had the highest score in terms of knowledge of antibiotics, which was 80.61. Approximately 66% of the students agree that they have opportunities to give advice to individuals. In line with student^s motivation, 72.48% agreed not to give unnecessary antibiotics. Nevertheless, on the student^s behavior, only 55% avoided prescribing unnecessary antibiotics. In terms of the action campaign about antibiotic awareness, 53.2% agree to combat antibiotic resistance at all levels, but only 17.4% and 16.1% of the students respectively reported knowing about the national and worldwide campaigns on the prudent use of antibiotics. Dental students possess a substantial amount of understanding of the usage and resistance to antibiotics, but this knowledge has not been implemented into actual antibiotic prescribing practices. National and international antibiotic efforts remain essential for reaching the target audience of dental professional students.

Keywords: Antibiotics, Behavior, Dental Student, Knowledge

Topic: Dental Public Health