Pharmacy Students' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions on Drug Misuse And Abuse: A Cross- Sectional Study in Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Drug misuse and abuse are critical public health issues in Indonesia, where certain prescription and over-the-counter medicines are increasingly misused. Pharmacy students, as future healthcare providers, play a pivotal role in addressing this problem, yet little is known about their preparedness. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of Indonesian pharmacy students toward drug misuse and abuse, and explored demographic and educational factors shaping these outcomes.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 548 third- and fourth- year students from seven accredited universities. A validated questionnaire was

used, and data were analyzed with non-parametric tests and correlation methods. Results: Students demonstrated moderate knowledge overall, but striking gaps emerged: 40.1% misunderstood the scope of misuse, limiting it to narcotics, and 35.5% failed to recognize tramadol as a commonly abused drug. Knowledge was significantly higher among male students and those with GPAs above 3.5, while Year 4 students showed the most positive attitudes. Interestingly, students who witnessed misuse had significantly better KAP scores, while those with a family history of misuse reported poorer attitudes, suggesting stigma and emotional burden. Attitudes toward preventing abuse were stronger than toward preventing misuse, reflecting a professional–personal gap. Conclusion: Indonesian pharmacy students are moderately prepared but uneven in competencies, excelling in theoretical definitions yet struggling with applied understanding and abuse recognition. Direct exposure and seminar participation enhanced awareness, highlighting the importance of experiential learning. These findings emphasize the urgent need for curriculum reform to integrate case-based, ethical, and community-centered training, ensuring future pharmacists are equipped to confront the evolving challenge of drug misuse and abuse. Keywords: pharmacy education, drug misuse and abuse, knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, Indonesia