Date of Defense
31-3-2026 10:00 AM
Location
H1-0065
Document Type
Thesis Defense
Degree Name
Master of Education (Curriculum and Instruction)
College
College of Education
Department
Curriculum & Instruction
First Advisor
Prof. Hassan Tairab
Keywords
Antibiotics, Antibiotic Resistance, Awareness, Attitudes, Misconceptions, Health education, Science education
Abstract
This thesis explores students' knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and misconceptions regarding antibiotic use and resistance in secondary school. Since antibiotic resistance is both a biological threat and a general health problem influenced by educational and sociocultural factors, the objectives of the research are to determine the level of antibiotic-related knowledge and to assess how a particular pattern of intuitive reasoning can lead to entrenched misconceptions. The mixed-method design implemented in this study combined a survey based on the World Health Organization’s Antibiotic Resistance Multi-Country Public Awareness Survey, along with other validated instruments and qualitative research in the form of interviews in an endeavor to acquire more detailed information regarding the line of reasoning of the students. The results show a moderate knowledge and awareness concerning the issue of antibiotic resistance, but show a considerable amount of misconception concerning antibiotic use and resistance mechanisms. Teleological, anthropocentric, and essentialist intuitive reasoning patterns were prevalent across grade levels, and increased age or exposure to health-related subjects did not consistently correspond to a reduction in the prevalence of misconceptions. By examining students’ understanding and misconceptions, this thesis addresses a gap in school-level research on antibiotic use and resistance in the UAE context and informs curriculum design, pedagogy, and public health education initiatives directed toward nurturing a health-conscious and scientifically literate generation.
Included in
ANTIBIOTIC USE AND RESISTANCE: KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS, ATTITUDES, AND MISCONCEPTIONS AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN AL AIN
H1-0065
This thesis explores students' knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and misconceptions regarding antibiotic use and resistance in secondary school. Since antibiotic resistance is both a biological threat and a general health problem influenced by educational and sociocultural factors, the objectives of the research are to determine the level of antibiotic-related knowledge and to assess how a particular pattern of intuitive reasoning can lead to entrenched misconceptions. The mixed-method design implemented in this study combined a survey based on the World Health Organization’s Antibiotic Resistance Multi-Country Public Awareness Survey, along with other validated instruments and qualitative research in the form of interviews in an endeavor to acquire more detailed information regarding the line of reasoning of the students. The results show a moderate knowledge and awareness concerning the issue of antibiotic resistance, but show a considerable amount of misconception concerning antibiotic use and resistance mechanisms. Teleological, anthropocentric, and essentialist intuitive reasoning patterns were prevalent across grade levels, and increased age or exposure to health-related subjects did not consistently correspond to a reduction in the prevalence of misconceptions. By examining students’ understanding and misconceptions, this thesis addresses a gap in school-level research on antibiotic use and resistance in the UAE context and informs curriculum design, pedagogy, and public health education initiatives directed toward nurturing a health-conscious and scientifically literate generation.