Investigating knowledge regarding antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance among pharmacy students in Australian universities

Background Inappropriate antibiotic use is a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally. Pharmacists with appropriate skills and training can help address the challenge of AMR. Aim To investigate antibiotic use, knowledge of antibiotics and AMR among pharmacy students in Australian universities and to compare these outcomes between junior and senior pharmacy student groups. Method A survey regarding global knowledge on AMR was conducted at 14 Australian universities offering pharmacy programmes. All pharmacy students were invited to participate in a self‐administered online questionnaire with five major sections: demographic information, self‐reported antibiotic use, knowledge of antibiotic use in human health, knowledge of AMR and antibiotic use in agriculture. Descriptive data analysis and Chi‐square tests were used in the analysis. Results Five hundred and twenty‐five pharmacy students completed the questionnaire. The majority of participants (88%) reported antibiotic use in the past year. Senior pharmacy students ( n  = 274) reported significantly improved knowledge of appropriate antibiotic indications when compared to junior students ( n  = 251), p < 0.05. Junior pharmacy students were more likely to incorrectly recommend antibiotics for the management of cold and flu (p < 0.05). Overall,pharmacy students demonstrated a sound understanding of AMR and this knowledge increased among senior pharmacy students. Conclusion This study found that pharmacy students in Australian universities commonly report using antibiotics. Senior pharmacy students demonstrate an improved understanding of the appropriate use of antibiotics and AMR when compared to junior pharmacy students in Australia.