J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2009 Nov;16(4):421-429.

Adolescents' Knowledge and Attitudes towards Antibiotic Use

• Kim SS
• Moon S
• Lee ES

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to identify knowledge and attitudes on antibiotic use held by adolescents (middle and high school students) in Korea.
METHODS
Data were collected from a convenience sample of 651 students residing in 5 major cities in Korea. The questionnaire was developed after an extensive literature review and professional advisory meetings. Descriptive statistics, t-test, chi square test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients with the SPSS program were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
Respondents correctly answered 6.23 antibiotic-related questions out of 15 questions. Two thirds of the respondents knew viruses caused most colds and coughs, but 80% did not know that antibiotics do not work against viruses. High school students' attitudes towards antibiotics were somewhat negative. More middle school students than high school students asked doctors for antibiotics for a cold. High school students did not check if antibiotics were included in their prescription for a cold. There was no significant correlation between knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotic use.
CONCLUSION
Education programs on appropriate antibiotic use need to be developed for these students. Continual reinforcement and repetition of the contents are required to change attitudes.

Keyword

Antibiotics; Drug resistance; Knowledge; Attitude; Adolescent

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Cold Temperature
Cough
Surveys and Questionnaires
Drug Resistance
Humans
Korea
Prescriptions
Reinforcement (Psychology)
Anti-Bacterial Agents