Survey of Antibiotic Resistance Awareness Among Secondary School Students in Adamawa State

Young people are important targets for antibiotic resistance awareness education, given that behavioural patterns of antibiotic use established in adolescence often persist into adulthood. This study surveyed antibiotic resistance awareness, knowledge of appropriate antibiotic use, and self-medication behaviours among secondary school students in Yola, Adamawa State, North East Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 350 Senior Secondary School students from six government secondary schools. A structured questionnaire assessed antibiotic use behaviours, awareness of antimicrobial resistance, sources of antibiotics, and knowledge of conditions for which antibiotics are appropriate. Results showed that 68.3 percent of respondents had used antibiotics in the preceding six months, with 54.6 percent obtaining them without a prescription. Awareness of antimicrobial resistance as a public health problem was present in 41.7 percent of respondents. Knowledge that antibiotics are ineffective for viral infections was correct in only 38.3 percent. Taking antibiotics only until symptoms improved without completing the course was reported by 57.4 percent of antibiotic users. Social media and peers were primary sources of antibiotic information for 63.4 percent of students. The study concludes that antibiotic resistance awareness and appropriate use knowledge are inadequate among adolescents in Adamawa State, and recommends integrating antibiotic stewardship messages into secondary school health education curricula.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance awareness, antibiotic use, secondary school students, Adamawa State, health education