Knowledge-Practice Gap in Rational Antibiotic Use Among Intern Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study at Trakya University

Sebnem Bukavaz; Galip Ekuklu

doi:10.18521/ktd.1955488

Knowledge-Practice Gap in Rational Antibiotic Use Among Intern Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study at Trakya University

Abstract

Aim: Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and influencing factors of intern physicians regarding rational antibiotic use and resistance is crucial for developing effective educational interventions against the growing global threat of antibiotic resistance. This study evaluates these aspects in intern physicians, who are key players in antibiotic prescribing.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 135 intern physicians at a state university's Faculty of Medicine during the 2024–2025 academic year. Data on demographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes regarding rational antibiotic use were collected using a validated questionnaire. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, chi-square tests, and multiple linear regression to identify independent determinants of knowledge and attitude scores. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Statistical significance was accepted as p < 0.05.

Results: Participants were primarily women (57.8%) compared to men (42.2%), with a mean age of 23.6±0.7 years. Female intern physicians demonstrated significantly higher knowledge and attitude scores (p<0.05). Higher scores were also associated with perceived training sufficiency, avoiding antibiotic use without examination, reading package leaflets, and proper drug storage. The majority (86.7%) recognized antibiotic resistance as a significant health problem.

Conclusions: Medical interns are aware of antibiotic resistance, but need better knowledge and attitudes regarding rational antibiotic use. Practice-based training programs targeting behavioral changes are recommended.

Keywords

Project Number

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Health Care Administration

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Sebnem Bukavaz ^*
0000-0001-7460-8922
Türkiye

Galip Ekuklu
0000-0002-8915-6970
Türkiye

Publication Date

October 27, 2026

Submission Date

May 20, 2026

Acceptance Date

October 18, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 18 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18521/ktd.1955488

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA48GH56WY

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Bukavaz, S., & Ekuklu, G. (2026). Knowledge-Practice Gap in Rational Antibiotic Use Among Intern Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study at Trakya University. Konuralp Medical Journal, 18(3), 311-316. https://doi.org/10.18521/ktd.1955488

AMA

1.Bukavaz S, Ekuklu G. Knowledge-Practice Gap in Rational Antibiotic Use Among Intern Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study at Trakya University. Konuralp Medical Journal. 2026;18(3):311-316. doi:10.18521/ktd.1955488

Chicago

Bukavaz, Sebnem, and Galip Ekuklu. 2026. “Knowledge-Practice Gap in Rational Antibiotic Use Among Intern Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study at Trakya University”. Konuralp Medical Journal 18 (3): 311-16. https://doi.org/10.18521/ktd.1955488.

EndNote

Bukavaz S, Ekuklu G (October 1, 2026) Knowledge-Practice Gap in Rational Antibiotic Use Among Intern Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study at Trakya University. Konuralp Medical Journal 18 3 311–316.

IEEE

[1]S. Bukavaz and G. Ekuklu, “Knowledge-Practice Gap in Rational Antibiotic Use Among Intern Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study at Trakya University”, Konuralp Medical Journal, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 311–316, Oct. 2026, doi: 10.18521/ktd.1955488.

ISNAD

Bukavaz, Sebnem - Ekuklu, Galip. “Knowledge-Practice Gap in Rational Antibiotic Use Among Intern Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study at Trakya University”. Konuralp Medical Journal 18/3 (October 1, 2026): 311-316. https://doi.org/10.18521/ktd.1955488.

JAMA

1.Bukavaz S, Ekuklu G. Knowledge-Practice Gap in Rational Antibiotic Use Among Intern Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study at Trakya University. Konuralp Medical Journal. 2026;18:311–316.

MLA

Bukavaz, Sebnem, and Galip Ekuklu. “Knowledge-Practice Gap in Rational Antibiotic Use Among Intern Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study at Trakya University”. Konuralp Medical Journal, vol. 18, no. 3, Oct. 2026, pp. 311-6, doi:10.18521/ktd.1955488.

Vancouver

1.Sebnem Bukavaz, Galip Ekuklu. Knowledge-Practice Gap in Rational Antibiotic Use Among Intern Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study at Trakya University. Konuralp Medical Journal. 2026 Oct. 1;18(3):311-6. doi:10.18521/ktd.1955488