Solomon Olubodunrin Ariyibi, Taiwo Rasheedat Bakare, Abiodun Olajuwon Bada, Feyisola Oluwakemi Bamijoko, Luqman Opeoluwa Ogunjimi, Akintunde Blessing Akinpelu, Samson Gbenga Oluwayomi, Sule Ajibola Saka, Muheenat Abolanle Aliyu, Bisola Folusho Olubiyi, Samuel Busayo Ogunlade
Despite high awareness of the AMR threat, significant knowledge gaps and misconceptions persist among clinical students. Strengthening AMR education through integrated curricula, active learning approaches, and improved dissemination of national policies is essential.
BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public health threat, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. Clinical healthcare students represent a critical target for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), as prescribing behaviours developed during training often persist into practice. However, evidence on AMR and AMS knowledge across multiple health disciplines in Nigerian clinical training settings is limited. This study aimed at assessing AMR and AMS knowledge among clinical students and identify factors associated with poor knowledge.
METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 clinical students in Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing at a Nigerian College of Health Sciences. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO AMR awareness tool. Knowledge was assessed using a 13-item score and categorized as good (≥70%), fair (50-69%), or poor (<50%). Associations were tested using chi-square, while independent predictors were identified using multivariate logistic regression.
RESULTS: Most participants were aged 21-25 years (68.0%) and female (62.1%). Although 96.9% recognised AMR as a global health problem and 92.4% correctly identified the purpose of stewardship, important gaps were identified. Only 47.2% correctly defined AMR, 36.0% recognized poor infection prevention and control as a driver, and misconceptions persisted regarding antibiotic use in viral infections (40.8%) and uncomplicated malaria (41.7%). Overall, 5.0% had good knowledge, 73.0% fair, and 22.0% poor. On bivariate analysis, level of study (χ2=15.358, p<0.001), department (χ2=7.981, p=0.018), and awareness of Nigeria's National AMR Action Plan (χ2=6.496, p=0.011) were significantly associated with knowledge. Higher level of study (AOR=0.438; p=0.001) and awareness of the national AMR action plan (AOR=0.497; p=0.012) were independently associated with better knowledge.
CONCLUSION: Despite high awareness of the AMR threat, significant knowledge gaps and misconceptions persist among clinical students. Strengthening AMR education through integrated curricula, active learning approaches, and improved dissemination of national policies is essential.