Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use among the population of Jordan: a national cross-sectional study

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat, driven in part by inappropriate use. This study assessed public knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to antibiotic use among adults in Jordan. Methods: A national cross-sectional study was conducted among 1647 adults (≥18 years) via online surveys and phone interviews. The questionnaire, adapted from validated tools including the Eurobarometer, examined antibiotic use patterns, access sources, reasons for use, knowledge, and exposure to educational materials. An Antibiotic Knowledge Score based on four questions measured understanding of antibiotic effectiveness and risks of misuse. Results: Most participants (61.6%) reported antibiotic use in the past year, with 25.9% obtaining them without a prescription. Only 6.4% achieved a perfect score, while 43.7% scored 75% or higher. Exposure to educational materials was associated with better knowledge. Higher education, healthcare employment, and urban residence predicted greater knowledge. Conclusion: There are substantial knowledge gaps and misuse of antibiotics among Jordanian adults. Strengthening public education and enforcing prescription-only policies are critical to curbing misuse and addressing antibiotic resistance.