EVALUATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION AMONG THE PHARMACY STUDENTS ON USE OF PROBIOTICS AS AN ADJUNCT THERAPY WITH ANTIBIOTICS

The use of antibiotics to treat infections requires treatment of microbial communities in the gut which causes antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) as a side effect. The number of people using probiotics to manage these effects remains low because there is insufficient awareness of their proper usage. An investigation examines pharmacy student understanding and perceptions about the co-administration of probiotics with antibiotics by studying effectiveness together with timing variables and treatment costs and values. The survey at KMCH College of Pharmacy used structured questionnaire research methodology to evaluate students’ comprehension of probiotic advantages and timing and financial details as well as probiotic-antibiotic interaction awareness throughout the two-month study period. Survey results demonstrated that more than three quarters of participants understood the effects of probiotics against antibiotic side effects, yet respondents exhibited gaps in their understanding about correct strain pick and appropriate timing and storage procedures. Students had varying understandings about how financial matters affected purchasing decisions for probiotics. Research has proven the benefits of probiotics for treatment success, yet a lack of consistent learning demonstrates a necessity to provide enhanced probiotic education. The spread of probiotics encountered resistance because students both misunderstood their benefits and had financial concerns. The data indicates that pharmacy students held favorable beliefs about probiotics even though their information about these products remained deficient. Educational programs about probiotics within pharmacy studies would enhance clinical advice while maximizing antibiotic treatments’ effect on both digestive health and treatment success.