An Overview of Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception Regarding Antibiotic Usage Among Backyard and Commercial Cattle Farmers and Assessment of Potential Risk Factors Associated with Antibiotic Resistance.

Abstract

Antibiotic usage management is essential to combat antimicrobial resistance and protect both animal and human health. Therefore, information on knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding AMU and AMR in a specific area is crucial and needed to identify farmers' risky behavior and factors associated with them as possible targets for intervention. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic usage, residues, and resistance, in addition to evaluating variable factors linked to antibiotic resistance via a questionnaire survey among some randomly selected backyard and commercial cattle farms in a few selected areas of Chittagong, The findings indicate poor knowledge level and malpractices among the farmers regarding antibiotic usage. Lack of proper education and awareness about antibiotic usage and resistance, using antibiotics without veterinary guidance, apprehensiveness about maintaining proper dose and withdrawal period etc. are found to be the most significant factors contributing to antimicrobial resistance experienced by the farmers. Developing an understanding of these factors is crucial for creating focused treatments that support the ethical use of antibiotics, protect animal welfare, and lessen the hazards related to antibiotic resistance.