Publications

Antibiotics are drugs used to manage bacterial infections, but their abuse and irrational usehave led to the development of resistant bacteria. Misuse of antibiotics, poor prescriptionbehavior by physicians, and patients' wrong habits and lack of knowledge contribute to thespread of resistant strains. A study was conducted to evaluate the current knowledge, attitude,and behavior regarding antibiotic use among students at Kampala International University inUganda. The data was collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire.The majority of respondents believed that antibiotics were used to decrease fever, overcomepain, overcome malaise and fatigue, treat common colds, and treat infections. Mostrespondents agreed that starting antibiotics at home was acceptable, while others suggestedstarting them on doctors' prescription, pharmacists' advice, or buying from drug shops. Duringthe drug use period, most respondents believed that antibiotics should be taken until the drugis finished, while others believed they should be taken until symptoms disappear. Allrespondents agreed that antibiotics should be taken as per health worker's advice. The studyreveals a high rate of irrational antibiotic use among students, primarily due to misconceptionsabout when, what, who, and for how long to take antibiotics. This highlights the need for betterprescription and regulation of antibiotic use and the need for more accurate information onantibiotic use and prescription practices