Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Antibiotic Use and the Perceived Role of Pharmacists in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Inappropriate antibiotic use contributes to antimicrobial resistance, and community pharmacists may support public education and stewardship.   Aim: This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to antibiotic use and perceptions of pharmacists’ educational role among adults in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from March to April 2026 among adults aged 18 years or older. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of antibiotic indications and resistance, attitudes, self-reported practices, information sources, and perceptions of pharmacists. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and categorical associations were examined using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Results: A total of 141 respondents completed the survey: 87 (61.7%) were female, 123 (87.2%) were Saudi, and 100 (70.9%) had a university education. Knowledge was inconsistent: 98 participants (69.5%) correctly identified that antibiotics treat bacterial infections, and 103 (73.0%) knew that antibiotic misuse leads to resistance. Overall, 93 participants (66.0%) had poor knowledge, and 92 (65.2%) had poor attitudes. Inappropriate practices were common: 71 participants (50.4%) had used antibiotics without a prescription, and 94 (66.7%) had discontinued treatment before completing the course. Most respondents believed that pharmacists explain antibiotic use (99, 70.2%), discourage use without a prescription (91, 64.5%), and help reduce antibiotic misuse (92, 65.2%). Nationality was significantly associated with overall knowledge (p = 0.028) and overall attitude (p = 0.005). Conclusion: A notable discrepancy between knowledge and practice was observed: awareness of AMR coexisted with frequent inappropriate antibiotic use. The findings highlight a knowledge–practice gap among adults in Jeddah and indicate the need for future studies evaluating pharmacist-led education, enforcement of prescription-only policies, and behaviour-focused antimicrobial stewardship interventions.