Aims: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a serious global health issue, which is exacerbated globally by the overuse and misuse of antimicrobial drugs. Improving awareness and understanding AMR through effective communication, education, and training is recommended by the World Health Organization as one of five key strategies of tackling AMR. This study explores the knowledge and perception of AMR, its educational status, and any potential associations among Chinese medical students. Results: A total of 2,616 students from four medical schools across China were enrolled in this study. Data reveal a general lack of knowledge about both antibiotic use and AMR that is related to school type, major, and clinical experience. Students' AMR knowledge was associated with their perception of issues in this area as well as their educational status. Results of a linear regression model show that learning about AMR in class (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.47-2.23) and the hours spent learning about these issues (OR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.07-0.15) were both positively associated with enhanced knowledge. Conclusions: A significant lack of knowledge about AMR is found among Chinese medical students, associated with their perception of these issues. The status of AMR education in medical schools nationally is therefore less than satisfactory and positively correlated with general knowledge of this issue.
Keywords: antimicrobial resistance; education; medical students; public health.