Attitudes, Knowledge, Risk Perception of Antimicrobial Resistance and Antibiotic Use Behaviors: A Cross-Sectional Survey in a Young Adult Population.

The emergence and spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a major threat to global public health. There is strong evidence that the general public plays a role in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. In this study, the impact of attitudes, knowledge, and risk perception of antimicrobial resistance on students' antibiotic use behaviors was investigated. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire with a sample of 279 young adults. Descriptive analysis and hierarchical regression analyses were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that positive attitudes, a minimal level of knowledge about antimicrobial resistance, and awareness of the seriousness of this phenomenon have a positive influence on the appropriate use of antibiotics. Overall, the results of this study highlight the need for awareness campaigns that provide the public with accurate information about the risks associated with antibiotic resistance and appropriate antibiotic use.