| dc.description.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 | en_US |
