A Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitudes & Practices Among Medical Students Regarding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) & Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)

Abstract

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose significant global health challenges. Medical students and trainees frequently interact with patients, making their knowledge and adherence to infection prevention practices crucial. This study aimed to evaluate the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) regarding AMR and HAI prevention among medical trainees in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 medical trainees at K.H. Patil Institute of Medical Sciences, Gadag. A structured WHO/CDC-based questionnaire assessing AMR knowledge, attitudes toward stewardship, and infection prevention practices was administered via Google Forms. Knowledge scores were calculated and categorized using tertiles. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied, with a p-value ≤0.05 considered significant. Results: Knowledge levels were low, with a mean score of 0.37/2; 62.9% scored 0, and none scored full marks. While 97% agreed that inappropriate prescribing is a serious problem, 52.4% remained unsure whether stewardship programs were being implemented. Practice indicators were suboptimal: only 34.2% consistently used PPE appropriately, and 17.7% always followed the hospital antibiogram. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association (p ≤ 0.05) between level of training and both knowledge and practice categories, whereas gender showed no significant association with any KAP domain. Conclusion: Despite positive attitudes toward AMR and HAI prevention, substantial gaps in knowledge and practical adherence persist. Strengthening institutional stewardship programs, expanding curricular training, and reinforcing IPC practices through supervision and monitoring are essential to improve competency among future healthcare professionals.

Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance, Healthcare-associated infections, Knowledge, attitudes, and practices, Medical students, Antibiotic stewardship, Infection prevention and control, Cross-sectional study