Antibiotics Self-remedy Use among Health and Nonhealth Undergraduate Students: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

Objectives: In this study we examined students' sources of antibiotic drugs and information used for antibiotic self-remedy and assessed the relationships between demographic characteristics and self-remedy with using antibiotic drugs (SRUAD). We also assessed the correlations between SRUAD and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) concepts. Finally, we assessed differences among TPB concepts for students who use or do not use antibiotics as self-remedy. Methods: A cross-sectional correlation study was conducted among 920 students. A validated questionnaire "Antibiotics Self-remedy Use based on TPB" was used to gather data on antibiotic self-remedy practices. We surveyed undergraduate students from various academic disciplines at a public university, excluding graduate students and those undergraduate students who participated in the pilot study, to explore their experiences and perceptions in their early stages of higher education, focusing on their unique perspectives. We calculated descriptive statistics, chi-square, correlations, and independent t-test. Results: Most participants (67.6%) used antibiotic self-remedy, with private pharmacies being the primary source. Students primarily used prescriptions and personal experiences. SRUAD was more prevalent among health/medical students, with attitude and perceived behavioral control significantly influencing SRUAD use. Conclusion: The development of health education interventions should consider attitudes and perceived behavioral control towards antibiotic self-remedy among students to limit SRUAD in their society.