Antibiotic-taking experiences of undergraduate college students

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the medication-taking experiences of undergraduate college students prescribed short-term antibiotic therapies and to describe factors influencing their adherence.

Thirty-four undergraduate students prescribed antibiotics for treatment of an acute infectious illness at a large university health center were recruited to participate in this study. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted after students finished their course of treatment. Qualitative descriptive content analysis was used to analyze the transcripts typed from the audio-taped phone interviews.

The main theme that emerged from the data was antibiotic-taking self-management. Most participants were able to adapt medication regimens into their daily routines, and used events in their day and specific reminder strategies to help them to remember to take their medications. This occurred despite an ever-changing class and work schedule and being prescribed complex, lengthy antibiotic regimens. Most dosing errors occurred during times when schedules changed or students were off campus during weekends or college breaks. A small number of students discontinued therapy early because of side effects or forgetfulness.

By understanding factors that influence antibiotic adherence from a college student perspective, healthcare providers can suggest strategies to promote adherence that are tailored to the specific needs of this unique population.