ABSTRACT

To assess and compare the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards antibiotic usage among fourth-year medical technology and pharmacy students, a quantitative descriptive study was conducted among 28 medical technology students and 40 pharmacy students. Results showed that pharmacy students (high: CM = 3.29) had greater perceived knowledge than medical technology students (moderate: CM = 2.73), suggesting a significant difference (p <0.001). However, both groups had a highly positive attitude and appropriate practices towards antibiotic use. There was no significant difference between the mean scores in attitude (CM= 3.30 vs. 3.30) with a p-value of 0.750 and practice (CM= 3.65 vs. 3.60) with a p-value of 0.444. Correlation coefficients convey a strong, significant relationship between attitude and practice (rho: 0.691; p<0.001), a weak but significant relationship between knowledge and practice (rho: 0.242; p: 0.047), and no significant relationship between knowledge and practice (rho: 0.141; p:0.251). Despite high levels of KAP, the respondents also displayed common misconceptions and improper behaviors when taking antibiotics. Hence, the study’s findings highlight the need for further efforts to encourage responsible antibiotic usage, particularly among allied-health students, to raise new generations of individuals capable of combating the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.

College of Health Sciences Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology