Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices About Antibiotic Use and Antibiotic Resistance Among Youth
1. Balakrishnan Prabhu Bhavini
2. Nagath Muhammed Ajnas
3. Alappadan Jose Rosmi
4. Antony Alonsa Ann
5. Kabylbekova Kanykai
(1,2,3,4. Students, International Medical Faculty, Osh State University, Kyrgyz Republic)
(5. Senior Lecturer, International Medical Faculty, Osh State University, Kyrgyz Republic)
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a newly emerging global health concern, which stems from the fact that today’s youth choose convenience over safety. The irrational overuse of antibiotics especially among the youth leads to the bacteria evolving to being resistance to medications and thus easily treatable diseases become bigger problems. Many young people use antibiotics without consulting a medical professional, while others either stop antibiotics midway. This article discusses the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the use of antibiotics and Antibiotic resistance among youth. The study mainly focusses on awareness regarding proper use of antibiotics, common misconceptions that come with self-medication and other factors that are associated with antibiotic resistance. We have based this article on responses of the google form we sent out, analysis of scientific literature and epidemiological data from international healthcare organizations regarding antimicrobial resistance. Although many youths have heard of antibiotic resistance, there still are many gaps in their understanding of how to actually use antibiotics. Misconceptions are mainly regarding duration of treatment, self-medication, if antibiotics are used for viral infections are still prevalent among today’s youth. Self-medication, incomplete course of antibiotics and use of antibiotics without prescription continues to be widely prevalent among adolescents and young adults. Improving awareness and responsible use of antibiotics will help in reducing antibiotic resistance and its progression globally. This will in turn help improve healthcare outcomes globally
Key Words: antibiotic resistance, antibiotics, youth, antimicrobial resistance, self-medication, public health, knowledge, attitudes, practices
Introduction
Antibiotics are considered one of the most important discoveries in modern medicine because they completely changed the treatment of bacterial infections. Since the discovery of penicillin, antibiotics have significantly reduced mortality and complications associated with infectious diseases. They also made procedures such as surgeries, organ transplantation, and chemotherapy much safer to perform. However, despite their importance, irrational and excessive use of antibiotics has gradually become a major public health issue worldwide.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop mechanisms that help them survive exposure to antibiotics that would normally kill them. Due to overuse and misuse of antibiotics, many bacteria are becoming resistant to treatment, making infections much harder to manage. This becomes a serious issue because resistant infections are associated with prolonged illness, increased healthcare costs, treatment failure, and higher mortality rates. According to the World Health Organization, antimicrobial resistance is currently one of the leading global health threats and requires urgent intervention.
Youth represents an important population group when studying antibiotic use because adolescents and young adults are more likely to self-medicate and rely on information obtained from social media, friends, or previous experiences instead of consulting healthcare professionals. Many individuals also incorrectly believe that antibiotics are effective against viral illnesses such as influenza and the common cold, despite antibiotics only working against bacteria. Another important issue is that many people stop antibiotic treatment once symptoms improve instead of completing the full prescribed course
What makes this problem worse is the easy accessibility of antibiotics in certain regions along with lack of awareness regarding antimicrobial resistance. Behaviors developed during adolescence often continue into adulthood, which is why irrational antibiotic use among youth may contribute significantly to the progression of antimicrobial resistance in the future.
This article discusses the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance among youth while also analyzing major factors contributing to antibiotic misuse and preventive strategies that may help promote rational antibiotic use.
Materials and Methods
The study was conducted using a narrative literature review approach. Scientific articles, reports from international healthcare organizations, and peer-reviewed publications related to antibiotic resistance and antibiotic use among youth were analyzed. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and WHO publications were reviewed for relevant information. Articles published between 2015 and 2025 were included in the study.
The selected literature mainly focused on awareness regarding antibiotic use, self-medication practices, antimicrobial stewardship, and public health interventions targeting adolescents and young adults. Information obtained from these sources was analyzed to identify common behaviors, misconceptions, and factors associated with irrational antibiotic use among youth populations.
Results and Discussion
Knowledge About Antibiotic Use
Knowledge regarding antibiotics among youth varies depending on educational background, socioeconomic status, and accessibility to healthcare information. Many studies show that although most young individuals recognize antibiotics as medicines used to treat infections, a significant proportion still incorrectly believes that antibiotics are effective against viral illnesses.
One of the most common misconceptions is using antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections caused by viruses, including influenza and the common cold. This misunderstanding contributes to unnecessary antibiotic consumption and increases selective pressure on bacteria, eventually contributing to resistance development. In several international surveys, students reported taking antibiotics for symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, and flu without proper medical consultation.
Another important issue is limited understanding regarding how antibiotic resistance actually develops. Many young people believe that resistance develops within the human body itself instead of within bacteria. In reality, bacteria develop mechanisms such as mutation and genetic transfer that allow them to survive antibiotic exposure and spread resistance further.
Educational background strongly influences awareness regarding antibiotics. Medical and healthcare students generally demonstrate better understanding compared to non-medical students. However, even among healthcare students, certain gaps still exist regarding rational prescribing practices and prevention of antimicrobial resistance.
Attitudes Toward Antibiotic Use
Attitudes regarding antibiotics among youth are influenced by family behavior, cultural beliefs, social media exposure, and previous healthcare experiences. Many individuals perceive antibiotics as quick and effective medicines capable of speeding up recovery regardless of the underlying cause of illness.
Self-medication is commonly considered acceptable among university students and adolescents. Leftover antibiotics from previous illnesses are frequently reused without consulting healthcare professionals. In some countries antibiotics are also easily available without prescription, making inappropriate antibiotic use much more common.
Peer influence also plays an important role in shaping attitudes regarding antibiotic use. Recommendations from friends, relatives, and social media platforms often replace professional medical advice. Social media especially contributes to spread of misinformation regarding antibiotic therapy and alternative treatment approaches.
Despite these problematic attitudes, awareness campaigns in several regions have helped improve public understanding regarding antimicrobial resistance. Some young individuals now recognize antibiotic resistance as a serious global issue and support stricter regulations regarding antibiotic sales and prescription practices.
Practices Related to Antibiotic Consumption
Several inappropriate practices regarding antibiotic use are commonly observed among youth populations.
One of the most prevalent harmful practices is self-medication. Many young individuals use antibiotics without consulting a physician because of convenience, financial limitations, previous experience with similar symptoms, or lack of time. However, what begins as a convenient solution may eventually contribute to incorrect drug selection, inappropriate dosing, allergic reactions, and bacterial resistance.
Another widespread issue is discontinuation of antibiotic treatment once symptoms improve. Many people stop taking antibiotics midway because they feel better, without realizing that surviving bacteria may continue multiplying and eventually develop resistance mechanisms.
Sharing antibiotics among family members and friends is another important concern. Antibiotics prescribed for one individual may not necessarily be suitable for another because infections, allergies, bacterial susceptibility, and medical history vary from person to person.
Storage of leftover antibiotics for future use also contributes significantly to repeated self-medication practices. Inadequate disposal of unused antibiotics may additionally contribute to environmental contamination and spread of resistant organisms.
Several studies also indicate that internet-based self-diagnosis and online pharmaceutical purchases are increasing among young populations. These practices make regulation of antibiotic use much more difficult and further contribute to irrational antibiotic consumption.
Factors Contributing to Antibiotic Misuse Among Youth
Multiple educational, social, and healthcare-related factors contribute to irrational antibiotic use among youth. One major issue is lack of adequate public health education regarding antimicrobial resistance and rational medicine use. Many school and university curricula provide only limited information regarding antibiotics and resistance mechanisms. Educational interventions specifically targeting adolescents are often insufficient. Easy access to antibiotics without prescription in certain regions also contributes substantially to misuse. Weak pharmaceutical regulations allow uncontrolled antibiotic sales, promoting self-medication practices among the population.
Healthcare accessibility also affects antibiotic-related behavior. Long waiting times, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, financial barriers, and difficulty accessing healthcare professionals may encourage individuals to avoid professional consultation altogether. Another important factor is misinformation spread through social media and internet platforms. Non-scientific health advice distributed online frequently promotes inappropriate antibiotic use and undermines evidence-based medical recommendations.
Public Health Implications
Antibiotic resistance represents a serious threat to healthcare systems globally. Resistant infections are associated with increased hospitalization rates, prolonged treatment duration, higher healthcare expenditures, and increased mortality rates.
The emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms reduces the effectiveness of currently available antibiotics and limits treatment options for severe infections. Diseases that were previously easy to treat may gradually become life-threatening due to resistance development.
Youth populations play an important role in antibiotic stewardship because behavioral habits developed during adolescence often continue into adulthood. Educational interventions targeting younger populations may therefore contribute significantly to long-term improvements in antibiotic use patterns and reduction of antimicrobial resistance.
Public health authorities should continue strengthening awareness campaigns, improving healthcare education, regulating antibiotic sales, and promoting antimicrobial stewardship programs. Collaboration between healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, and media organizations is necessary to address this issue effectively.
Conclusion
Antibiotic resistance is a rapidly growing public health issue closely associated with irrational antibiotic use. Analysis of current literature demonstrates that significant deficiencies still exist in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of youth regarding antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance. Self-medication, incomplete treatment courses, misuse of leftover antibiotics, and misconceptions regarding viral infections continue to remain common among young populations.
Educational interventions aimed at improving awareness regarding rational antibiotic use are essential in reducing antimicrobial resistance. Strengthening healthcare regulations, restricting non-prescription antibiotic sales, and promoting evidence-based medical information may significantly improve antibiotic stewardship among youth.
Addressing antimicrobial resistance requires coordinated international and national public health strategies focused on education, prevention, and responsible antibiotic use. Improving awareness among younger populations may help reduce progression of resistance in the future while also improving overall healthcare outcomes.
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