Awareness and Perception of Antimicrobial Resistance and Misuse of Antibiotics among Students in Federal University Otueke, Bayelsa State

This study explored the awareness and perception of antimicrobial resistance and misuse of antibiotics among students in Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State. A qualitative research design was adopted to obtain detailed information about students' knowledge, beliefs, experiences and perceptions concerning antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique, and data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The interviews explored students' understanding of antimicrobial resistance, perceptions of the causes and consequences of antibiotic misuse, experiences with antibiotic use and self-medication, sources of information about antibiotics, and suggestions for reducing antibiotic misuse. The interview data were transcribed, coded and analyzed thematically. The findings indicated that students had varying levels of awareness of antimicrobial resistance. While many participants understood that inappropriate antibiotic use could make antibiotics less effective, some misconceptions existed regarding the appropriate conditions for antibiotic use. Participants identified self-medication, obtaining antibiotics without prescriptions, using leftover antibiotics, sharing antibiotics and discontinuing treatment when symptoms improved as common forms of misuse. Convenience, previous experience with antibiotics, perceived severity of illness, cost and accessibility of healthcare services were identified as factors that could influence antibiotic-use behaviour. The study concluded that although students possessed some awareness of antimicrobial resistance, gaps in knowledge and inappropriate perceptions could contribute to antibiotic misuse. The study recommended continuous health education, antimicrobial stewardship programmes, improved access to professional healthcare services and targeted awareness campaigns within the university community to promote responsible antibiotic use and reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance.