N. Indah Witriana, Hadi Suwono, Sitoresmi Prabaningtyas, Chun-Yen Chang, Muhammad Saefi, Husamah
Antibiotic resistance is a global health crisis due to inappropriate use. Although many studies have highlighted medical personnel, non-medical science students’ understanding of antibiotics is still limited. This study aimed to develop and validate an instrument to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotics and resistance, and to portray the KAP of biology and non-biology students regarding antibiotics and resistance. The survey was conducted among students from various universities in Indonesia, with descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Results showed that biology students have a higher understanding of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to the contribution of their curriculum. However, misconceptions remained in both groups, especially regarding the use of antibiotics for viral infections and bacterial resistance. While most respondents understood the importance of a doctor’s prescription, practices such as self-medication and discontinuing antibiotics before the dose ran out were still common, especially among non-biology students. They were also more likely to support the purchase of antibiotics without a prescription and the misconception that antibiotics speed up recovery from a cold or sore throat. These findings emphasize the need for stronger education on antibiotics and AMR, especially for biology and non-biology students, to prevent practices that exacerbate AMR. © 2025 Modestum LTD. All rights reserved.
Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Indonesia; Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Perikanan Malang, Malang, Indonesia; Center of Research and Innovation on STEM Education, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Indonesia; Institute for Research Excellence in Learning Sciences, Graduate Institute of Science Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan; National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan; UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim, Malang, Indonesia; Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang, Malang, Indonesia
