Background: The emergence and spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a major threat to global public health. There is strong evidence that the general public plays a role in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Objective: In this study, the impact of attitudes, knowledge, and risk perception of antimicrobial resistance on students' antibiotic use behaviors was investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire with a sample of 279 young adults. Descriptive analysis and hierarchical regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Results: The results indicated that positive attitudes, a minimal level of knowledge about antimicrobial resistance, and awareness of the seriousness of this phenomenon have a positive influence on the appropriate use of antibiotics. Conclusions: Overall, the results of this study highlight the need for awareness campaigns that provide the public with accurate information about the risks associated with antibiotic resistance and appropriate antibiotic use.
Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance; antibiotic use behaviors; attitudes and knowledge; risk perception; young adult.