Background: Antibiotic resistance is a growing public health issue linked to higher morbidity and death rates. Despite the current antimicrobial resistance crisis, there are no such recognized training programs for infectious diseases in developing countries.

Aims: This study aims to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practice about antibiotics resistance and antibiotic usage among health sciences students.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among health sciences students in different Pakistani institutes. A total of 120 participants were included. The survey questionnaire was developed based on previous research with different question related to student knowledge, attitude and practice regarding antibiotics used. The questionnaire was divided into three categories: knowledge of antibiotics, knowledge of resistance, and knowledge of antibiotic usage in clinical settings.

Results: Among 120 students 73 (60.8%) were male and 47 (39.2%) were female. The mean age of students was 21 ± 0.7 years. Most of the students 3 (52.5%) students know the antibiotics use and 37 (30.8%) have answer no. Majority of student 51 (42.5%) answer that there is no effect on antibiotics effectiveness over time if  overused. A 73 (60.3%) students showed that they stop antibiotics when feel better and 32 (26.7%) complete the full antibiotics course.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the study offers significant insights into the present knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of health sciences students in Pakistan about antibiotic resistance and overuse. By addressing the observed gaps and misunderstandings, educators and policymakers may contribute to more responsible antibiotic use, protecting the efficacy of these vital treatments for future generations.

Keywords: Antibiotics: antibacterial resistant; knowledge; students; infection