Antibiotic Usage and Resistance; Knowledge and Practices Before and After Educational Sessions

Statement of problem: Dental students' and patients' knowledge about antibiotic uses are essential for overcoming antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is considered an important global public health problem and is recognized as a major cause of the emerging problem of antimicrobial agent resistance. The inappropriate use of antibiotics by patients not only increases the growth of resistant bacterial strains but also, may lead to adverse side effects that range from gastrointestinal disturbances to fatal anaphylactic shock. To meet the challenges faced by the spread of antibiotics resistance, different approaches have been taken worldwide. One of the approaches which are commonly proposed is to engage instructional and educational campaigns among the health care personnel and the general population about antibiotic resistance and its dangerous consequences.

Aim of the study: The present study aims at assessing the knowledge, practices of antibiotic uses and resistance before and after educational sessions among second year dental students and a group of patients attending MIU Dental Clinics.

Materials and Methods: The study will be conducted on (315) second year dental students through a pre-and post-educational sessions questionnaire. Students will receive training sessions for four hours during their dental public health course given by senior staff members before conducting educational sessions targeting patients attending MIU Dental Clinics. Educational sessions will include verbal and visual tools.

Inclusion criteria

• Second year dental students at MIU during the Academic Year 2017/2018. Any patient over 18 years old attending the MIU Dental clinics, and agreeing to sign an informed consent to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with mental disorders, deaf, and blind patients will be excluded from the study because the educational sessions will include verbal and visual tools.