1College of Nursing, Yonsei University, The Nursing Policy Research Institute, Yonsei University 2Department of Nursing, University of Ulsan 3College of Nursing, Yonsei University
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify knowledge and attitudes on antibiotic use held by adolescents (middle and high school students) in Korea. Methods: Data were collected from a convenience sample of 651 students residing in 5 major cities in Korea. The questionnaire was developed after an extensive literature review and professional advisory meetings. Descriptive statistics, t-test, chi square test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients with the SPSS program were used to analyze the data. Results: Respondents correctly answered 6.23 antibiotic-related questions out of 15 questions. Two thirds of the respondents knew viruses caused most colds and coughs, but 80% did not know that antibiotics do not work against viruses. High school students' attitudes towards antibiotics were somewhat negative. More middle school students than high school students asked doctors for antibiotics for a cold. High school students did not check if antibiotics were included in their prescription for a cold. There was no significant correlation between knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotic use. Conclusion: Education programs on appropriate antibiotic use need to be developed for these students. Continual reinforcement and repetition of the contents are required to change attitudes.
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