Effects of different forms of communication on knowledge, attitudes and practices related to antibiotics smart use by undergraduate students in different faculties

Objectives To investigate correlations among different forms of communications and the knowledge, attitudes and practices of undergraduate students related to antibiotics smart use. Methods Correlations of knowledges, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotics and different forms of communications among third year students of three faculties, Associated Medical Sciences (AMS), Engineering (ENG) and Economics (ECON), were computed using a questionnaire and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient analysis. Results The highest correct knowledge and practices scores were exhibited by AMS students: 3.17 ± 1.12 (p < 0.001) and 4.08 ± 0.67 (p = 0.001), respectively. Gender, the only personal factor, was significantly correlated with negative attitudes and practices among Engineering and Economics students. Correct knowledge scores were significantly correlated with the method of communication. Only weak relationships were found with communication from medical practitioners among AMS and Engineering students, r = 0.278 (p = 0.004); and r = 0.295 (p < 0.001). Correlations were also weak for radio, television, and print media among the Engineering students, r = 0.287, (p = 0.00