Knowledge of Antibiotic Resistance and Prescription Practices among Students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic resistance remains a critical global health challenge, fueled by widespread misuse and irrational prescription practices. University students are an influential demographic, as their health behaviors can shape broader antimicrobial stewardship efforts. Objective: This study evaluated the knowledge of antibiotic resistance and prescription practices among students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 440 students, with 409 valid responses analyzed. Data on socio-demographics, awareness of antibiotic resistance, and prescription practices were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analyses employed chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The majority of respondents were aged 16–25 years (82.9%), predominantly female (59.7%), and in their first year of study (63.6%). Overall, 64.3% reported awareness of antibiotic resistance. Awareness increased with age, peaking at 100% among students above 40 years, with a significant association between age and awareness (p = 0.0499). Gender, level of study, and state of origin were not significantly associated with awareness (p > 0.05). Students who obtained antibiotics through medical prescriptions demonstrated significantly higher awareness compared to those who practiced self-medication (p < 0.001). The most frequently used antibiotics were ampicillin (22.5%), ciprofloxacin (21.0%), and amoxicillin (15.9%), while some respondents incorrectly reported using antimalarials as antibiotics. Conclusion: Although awareness of antibiotic resistance among students was moderate, notable knowledge gaps and unsafe practices persist, particularly among younger students and those relying on non-prescription sources. Targeted health education, integration of antimicrobial stewardship into university curricula, and stricter enforcement of prescription-only antibiotic policies are urgently needed to reduce misuse and improve awareness in this population.