Development and validation of instruments to portray knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding antibiotic use and resistance among non-health science university students

Antibiotic resistance is a global health crisis due to inappropriate use. Although many studies have highlighted medical personnel, non-medical science students’ understanding of antibiotics is still limited. This study aimed to develop and validate an instrument to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotics and resistance, and to portray the KAP of biology and non-biology students regarding antibiotics and resistance. The survey was conducted among students from various universities in Indonesia, with descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Results showed that biology students have a higher understanding of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to the contribution of their curriculum. However, misconceptions remained in both groups, especially regarding the use of antibiotics for viral infections and bacterial resistance. While most respondents understood the importance of a doctor’s prescription, practices such as self-medication and discontinuing antibiotics before the dose ran out were still common, especially among non-biology students. They were also more likely to support the purchase of antibiotics without a prescription and the misconception that antibiotics speed up recovery from a cold or sore throat. These findings emphasize the need for stronger education on antibiotics and AMR, especially for biology and non-biology students, to prevent practices that exacerbate AMR.