Antimicrobial and Antibiotic Resistance from the Perspective of Polish Veterinary Students: An Inter-University Study

The phenomenon of antibiotic resistance is a global problem that affects the use of antibiotics by humans and animal husbandry. One of the primary reasons for the growing phenomenon of antibiotic resistance is the over-prescription of antibiotics by doctors in human medicine and the overuse of antibiotics in industrial animal farming. Adequate education of veterinary medical students on the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry may reduce antibiotic resistance. For this reason, a survey was conducted among students at four primary research and didactic centers teaching veterinary medicine in Poland. The survey aimed to find out the knowledge and attitude of students towards the use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. The survey was conducted in May/June 2021. Four hundred and sixty-seven students participated in the study. The study positively verified that antibiotics and antibiotic resistance knowledge increase with successive years of veterinary studies/education. For most students (82.2%), antibiotic resistance is a significant problem, but only 58.7% believe it is global, and one in three respondents heard about the One Health approach.

Automated summary

Antibiotic resistance is a global problem stemming from over-prescription by doctors and overuse in animal farming. Education of veterinary students on antibiotic use can help reduce resistance. A survey of students in Poland found that knowledge of antibiotics and resistance increased with years of study, and most students recognized the problem but not all understood the global impact or One Health approach.