Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of adolescents regarding antibiotic use and resistance: A Qualitative study from a developing country

Pharmacy Practice

  • Majd M. Masadeh1Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia., 2Department of General Education, School of Humanities, City University College of Ajman, Ajman 18484, UAE.
  • Sabariah Noor Harun1Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia.
  • Tareq L. Mukattash3Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan.
  • Nasr Alrabadi4Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan.

Volume 24 Issue 2 Pages 1-19

DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2026.2.3443

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a worldwide problem that impacts all aspects of society, including schoolchildren. This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of secondary school adolescents regarding antibiotic use and resistance. Methods: We used qualitative research methods with a focus group approach. Jordanian secondary school adolescents aged 16 to 18 from various schools were interviewed, and thematic analysis was carried out on the interview’ transcripts. Results: Secondary school adolescents (n= 48) from eight schools in different places participated in eight focus groups. Most participants (n=46) admitted not having heard of antibiotic resistance before the interview. Few students had a vague understanding or had heard the term mentioned in passing, often through the media or family members. Students frequently emphasized that common infections could be treated with antibiotics. A large proportion of the students reported taking antibiotics for self-diagnosed infections or based on advice from family members. Conclusions: The current study findings have revealed significant gaps in knowledge, attitude, and wrong practices about antibiotic resistance among secondary school students in developing countries like Jordan.

Keywords

  • Knowledge
  • Attitudes
  • and Practices
  • Adolescents
  • Antibiotic Use
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Qualitative Study
  • Jordan
Pharmacy Practice

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