Abstract:
Emergence of antibiotic resistance has become a public health concern throughout the world. The aim of this
study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antibiotic usage among nursing
undergraduates in University of Ruhuna. A cross sectional study was conducted among nursing undergraduates of all academic years in University of
Ruhuna. Apre tested self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data. Questionnaire included questions
to assess the knowledge on antibiotics (ten questions with a maximum score of 10), to assess the awareness on
antibiotic resistance (six questions with a maximum score of 15) to evaluate attitudes regarding antibiotic usage
(seven statements with a maximum score of 35) and regarding practices in antibiotic usage (six questions with a
maximum score of 30). Data was analyzed using SPSS 20 statistical software. Correlation of knowledge,
attitudes and practices with academic year was analyzed with Pearson correlation. Out of 134 students, 107 (80%) were females. Mean (SD) age was 24 (2) years. Mean (SD) of knowledge
regarding antibiotics, awareness on antibiotic resistance, attitudes regarding antibiotic usage, practices
regarding antibiotic usage were 8.3 (1.7), 11.43 (2), 25 (4) and 22 (3.5) respectively. There was a positive
correlation in knowledge score (r = 0.523 and P<0.01), awareness on antibiotic resistance (r = 0.460 and P<0.01)
and attitudes regarding antibiotic usage (r = 0 3 16 and P<0.01) with the advancement of the academic year. No
significant difference was observed in practices with respect to the advancement of the academic year.
