Awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance and Associated Factors among Poultry Farmers in Osun State, Nigeria: Implications for Surveillance and Stewardship Programs

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat driven significantly by antimicrobial misuse in agriculture, particularly in poultry farming. This study assessed the awareness, knowledge, practices, and associated factors related to antimicrobial resistance among poultry farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 289 poultry farmers selected through stratified random sampling across Osun State. The study included actively practicing poultry farmers aged 18 years and above who used antimicrobials in their operations. Farmers not using antimicrobials were excluded. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and inferential analyses were used to examine relationships between variables. ResultsThe majority of respondents (89.6%) had heard of AMR, the majority 239 (92.3%) of the respondents heard it from veterinary doctors. The majority (77.2%) also demonstrated good knowledge. Most farmers (89.6%) used antibiotics, with 52.9% using them occasionally. Personal experience (57.8%) was the primary basis for antibiotic selection. About 71.6% implemented biosecurity measures, and 57.8% had received training on AMR. Significant associations were found between knowledge and practice (p<0.001) and between attitude and practice (p<0.001). ConclusionDespite high awareness, antibiotic misuse persists, driven by factors such as reliance on personal experience and limited veterinary consultation. There is a need for enhanced farmer education, stricter regulatory enforcement, and the implementation of targeted antimicrobial stewardship programs to mitigate AMR risks in poultry farming.