Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a critical global health threat, driven largely by the irrational and excessive use of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine. Türkiye consistently ranks among the highest antibiotic-consuming countries worldwide. As future healthcare professionals, pharmacy students play a pivotal role in promoting rational antibiotic use and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of pharmacy students regarding rational antibiotic use and AMR, and to identify educational gaps for curriculum improvement. A cross-sectional study was conducted among first-, second-, and third-year students (n = 141) enrolled at Harran University Faculty of Pharmacy, Türkiye. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire developed from the literature and validated by experts. The survey assessed students’ sociodemographic characteristics, antibiotic use history, knowledge of antibiotic effectiveness and resistance mechanisms, and attitudes and behaviors toward rational use. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0, with descriptive and inferential statistics; significance was set at P < .05. Most students (82.3%) correctly identified bacteria as the target of antibiotics, yet 17.7% held misconceptions – mainly believing antibiotics treat all microorganisms or viral infections. While awareness of AMR as a global issue was high, notable misconceptions persisted, such as antibiotics strengthening immunity or requiring avoidance with probiotics. The majority (85.8%) reported non-antibiotic strategies (e.g., rest, fluids, herbal remedies) as their first-line management for illness. Nearly all students (97.2%) opposed prescribing on patient demand and recognized irrational use as the main driver of resistance. However, knowledge gaps were evident regarding diagnostic testing prior to antibiotic prescription – only 56% correctly identified antibiogram testing. Overall, attitudes and practices were generally responsible, though incomplete understanding of key AMR concepts remains. Pharmacy students at Harran University demonstrated good awareness and responsible behaviors toward antibiotic use, yet persistent misconceptions underscore the need for targeted educational interventions. Integrating AMS and clinical microbiology modules early in pharmacy curricula may enhance future pharmacists’ competence in combating AMR and promoting rational antibiotic use.
Erdoğan et al. (Fri,) studied this question.