Healthcare students’ knowledge of antibiotic ineffectiveness in treating viral infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

The overuse of antibiotics by healthcare professionals is often associated with a lack of knowledge regarding the rational use of these medications. We synthesized and analysed existing evidence on healthcare students' knowledge of antibiotic ineffectiveness in treating viral infections to provide pooled global and regional estimates.

Methods

The PubMed®, Embase® (via Ovid) and CINAHL (via EBSCO) databases were systematically searched for studies published between 01 January 2014 and 31 December 2024 that reported Healthcare students’ knowledge of antibiotic ineffectiveness in treating viral infections. Pooled estimates and 95% CI of correct knowledge were determined using random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

Of the 9165 articles identified, 86 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most healthcare students correctly understood that antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, with 70.2% (95% CI: 65.6–74.8) demonstrating this understanding. Only 58.0% (95% CI: 51.4–64.6) knew that antibiotics are ineffective against colds and flu. There were no significant regional variations in the understanding that antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. However, notable differences were evident at the country level. Thailand (30.3%, 95CI: 23.8–37.8), Turkey (35.8%, 95% CI: 32.9–38.8), Mali (39.9%, 95% CI: 35.5–44.5), and China (45.7%, 95% CI: 43.5–47.9) demonstrated lower levels of knowledge, whereas Poland (94.0%, 95% CI: 90.4–97.5), the United States (98.0%, 95% CI: 94.5–99.3), and the United Kingdom (98.4%, 95% CI: 97.2–99.6) exhibited higher levels of understanding.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate significant knowledge gaps in the understanding of the ineffectiveness of antibiotics against viruses in many countries. These knowledge gaps have important implications for the rational use of antibiotics and the prevention of resistance.