Addressing Saudi Medical Students’ Knowledge of Antibiotic Resistance

SAUDI ARABIA: The concerning rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has propelled global efforts to promote responsible antibiotic use and combat this escalating threat. In Saudi Arabia, a recent study conducted by researchers from Batterjee Medical College and Umm Al-Qura University has shed light on the knowledge gaps surrounding antibiotic use and resistance among medical students in Jeddah.

Insights from the Study

The cross-sectional study, involving 353 medical students, revealed that while most participants (92.4%) agreed that antibiotics are effective against bacteria, only 25.2% acknowledged their ineffectiveness against viral infections. Notably, over half of the respondents (53.8%) believed that bacterial infections could resolve without antibiotics.

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Dr. Safaa M. Alsanosi, the lead author, emphasized, “Improving the curriculum by incorporating topics like resistance mechanisms and responsible antibiotic usage can address the knowledge gap among male students.” The study found that male students exhibited lower knowledge about antibiotics compared to their female counterparts.

Recognizing the Threat of AMR

A significant majority of participants (78.2%) agreed that unnecessary antibiotic use contributes to resistance. Additionally, more than half (56.9%) acknowledged the increasing prevalence of infections caused by resistant bacteria in Saudi Arabia. As one participant remarked, “Healthcare workers can effectively reduce antibiotic resistance in Saudi Arabia,” reflecting a belief held by 75.1% of the respondents.

The study’s authors emphasize the need for comprehensive training, utilizing various educational methods, to foster responsible antibiotic practices among future healthcare professionals. Dr. Alsanosi stated, “This comprehensive training, utilizing various educational methods, is essential for fostering responsible antibiotic practices among future healthcare professionals.”

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A Global Concern

AMR poses a global challenge, with estimates suggesting it could cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050 and result in a staggering $100.2 trillion loss in gross domestic product if left unaddressed. Saudi Arabia, as a high-income country, faces specific challenges due to high antibiotic usage rates, limited access to healthcare, and self-medication practices.

In line with the World Health Organization’s global action plan, Saudi Arabia developed a National Action Plan on AMR in 2017. Furthermore, the country’s Vision 2030 healthcare component prioritizes disease prevention, improved care quality, and adherence to international standards, including strategies for addressing AMR.

The Path Forward

The study’s authors propose several recommendations, including enhancing the curriculum, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, providing practical training opportunities, utilizing simulation exercises, encouraging lifelong learning, and promoting interprofessional education. By implementing these measures, medical education in Saudi Arabia can better equip future healthcare professionals to tackle the challenges of antibiotic use and AMR.

As the global fight against AMR intensifies, the findings of this study underscore the importance of addressing knowledge gaps and equipping medical students with the necessary skills to contribute to responsible antibiotic practices and combat this pressing issue.