Impact of educational intervention on knowledge of antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use patterns among healthcare students: a pre- and post-intervention study
Methods
A quasi-experimental pre-and-post study design was conducted with unpaired groups of healthcare students. An educational intervention was carried out comprising of two 20-minute PowerPoint lectures, as well as question and answer sessions focused on understanding the spread, impact, and prevention of AMR. A self-administered questionnaire was given as a pre-test and repeated as a post-test immediately after the training. Students’ knowledge of AMR and patterns of antibiotic use was assessed pre-intervention while knowledge of AMR was assessed post-intervention. The knowledge was categorised into domains (Understanding Antibiotic and Antimicrobial Resistance; Spread and Impact of Antibiotic/Antimicrobial Resistance; Prevention of Antibiotic/Antimicrobial Resistance). The total score for each domain of knowledge tested was categorized into good knowledge (≥ 80%) and poor knowledge (< 80%).
Results
The number of participants in the pre- and post-intervention were 185 and 157 students with average age of 17.7 years and 17.8 years respectively. Post-intervention, there was a significant increase in students’ AMR knowledge, with correct responses regarding spread and impact of AMR increasing from 40.5% pre-intervention to 62.4% post-intervention (p < 0.001; φ (effect size = 0.218). The proportion of students demonstrating good overall knowledge increased from 28.1 to 44.6% (p = 0.001; φ (effect size = 0.171). Misconceptions, such as misunderstanding that antibiotic resistance does not result from the body becoming resistant to antibiotics, persisted but not statistically significant (24.9–17.2%, p = 0.055). Pre-intervention also revealed varied antibiotic use patterns, including the inappropriate use of antibiotics for malaria (51.7%, (n = 76)), and common cold (25.2% (n = 37)).
Conclusions
The study findings indicate that educational interventions can effectively improve healthcare students’ knowledge of AMR, though persistent misconceptions underscore the need for more targeted educational efforts. Incorporating structured AMR content into healthcare curricula could help the students contribute to antimicrobial stewardship. Future research should evaluate knowledge retention and behaviour changes to optimize the long-term impact of AMR education.
Follow the Topic
-
BMC Medical Education
This is an open access journal publishing original peer-reviewed research articles in relation to the education and training of healthcare professionals. It welcomes studies on students and professionals across all levels of education; education delivery aspects; and other education-related topics.
Related Collections
With collections, you can get published faster and increase your visibility.
Faculty development in medical education
BMC Medical Education is calling for submissions to our Faculty development in medical education Collection. Faculty development is essential to fostering high-quality teaching and learning, curriculum development, mentorship, and leadership, ensuring that medical education evolves to meet the needs of students, trainees, and the healthcare system.
This Collection aims to highlight research and insights into effective faculty development strategies, programs, and outcomes. We welcome submissions that explore novel approaches, evaluate existing initiatives, and identify best practices in faculty development across diverse medical education contexts.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Design, implementation, and evaluation of faculty development programs
• Training in competency-based education, interprofessional teaching, and cultural competence
• Development of teaching skills for clinical educators, including bedside teaching and simulation-based learning
• Leadership training and mentorship development for faculty members
• Utilization of technology, such as virtual reality or online platforms, in faculty development
• Assessment of the impact of faculty development on student outcomes and institutional performance
• Approaches to fostering resilience and preventing burnout among medical educators
• Strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within faculty development initiatives
All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.
This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 4: Quality Education.
All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.
Publishing Model: Open Access
Deadline: Nov 21, 2025
Dental education
BMC Medical Education is calling for submissions to our Collection on Dental education. Dental education is a vital component of healthcare, shaping the skills and competencies of future dental professionals. As the field of dentistry evolves, so too must the educational frameworks that prepare students for the challenges they will face in practice. Innovations in technology, changes in patient demographics, and advancements in treatment modalities necessitate a re-evaluation of dental curricula. Furthermore, the integration of interprofessional education and a focus on holistic patient care are becoming increasingly important in training competent and compassionate dental practitioners.
Advancing our collective understanding of dental education is crucial for ensuring that future dentists are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality care. Recent advances in this area include the incorporation of simulation-based learning, the use of digital tools for assessment, and the emphasis on evidence-based practice. These developments have enhanced the learning experience and improved clinical outcomes. However, ongoing research is needed to explore best practices, address disparities in education, and adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of healthcare.
Looking ahead, continued research in dental education may lead to the development of more personalized learning pathways, enhanced use of artificial intelligence in training, and greater emphasis on lifelong learning and professional development. As we embrace these innovations, we can expect to see a more adaptable and responsive dental workforce that meets the evolving needs of society.
Key topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
Innovations in teaching and learning: How are emerging technologies such as simulation, virtual reality, and AI being integrated into dental curricula? What new pedagogical strategies can enhance student engagement and mastery of complex clinical skills?
Interdisciplinary approaches: The growing understanding of oral health’s connection to systemic health has emphasized the need for collaborative approaches. How can dental education better prepare students for integrated, team-based care alongside other healthcare professionals?
Global perspectives on dental education: What lessons can be drawn from the varied educational approaches across different regions? How can best practices be shared to create a more globally consistent standard of dental education while respecting local needs and cultural contexts?
Addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion: How can dental schools foster a more diverse student body and faculty, ensuring an inclusive environment that prepares practitioners to meet the oral health needs of diverse populations? What efforts are being made to bridge gaps in access to dental education?
Responding to changing patient demographics and needs: As patient populations age and societal expectations evolve, what changes in dental training are necessary to equip practitioners to meet these emerging challenges, from managing geriatric care to addressing dental anxiety?
Assessment and competency evaluation: In an era of competency-based education, how should we rethink traditional assessments in dental education? What methods best evaluate both clinical proficiency and professional competencies, such as communication and ethical decision-making?
This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 4: Quality Education.
All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.
Publishing Model: Open Access
Deadline: Aug 12, 2025
Please sign in or register for FREE
If you are a registered user on Research Communities by Springer Nature, please sign in
🔹 "AMR is a growing global crisis, and tackling it starts with education! This study highlights the critical role of healthcare students in antibiotic stewardship. Great initiative!"
🔹 "Antibiotic misuse fuels resistance, yet awareness gaps persist among future healthcare providers. Studies like this are key to strengthening AMR education!"
🔹 "Educating healthcare students today means a stronger fight against AMR tomorrow. This research sheds light on an urgent issue—kudos to the team!"
Call to Action🔹 "Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health threat. How can we enhance AMR education among healthcare students? Let's discuss!"
🔹 "Addressing AMR requires collective action. What policies or interventions do you think could improve antibiotic stewardship in Nigeria?"