Abstract:
Background: Although poultry farming is a significant source of protein worldwide, the use of
antimicrobial to treat and prevent infections has led to the rise of antimicrobial resistance, which
poses a serious threat to the health of human, animals, and the environment. A research gap exists
in assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of poultry farm workers concerning
antimicrobial use, resistance, and related contributing factors in Eastern Ethiopia.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess poultry farm workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and
practices on antimicrobial usage, resistance, and associated factors in Eastern Ethiopia from March
15 to April 27, 2025.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 414 poultry farm
workers in three selected cities of Eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected using a pretested
structured questionnaire on ODK. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied for
data analysis with STATA 14. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% confidence interval at p
value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: This study found that 53.6%, 48.3% and 52.2% of participants had good knowledge, a
positive attitude, and good practices on antimicrobial use and resistance, respectively. Good
knowledge was significantly associated with college and above education (AOR=35.9, 95% CI:
28.79–57.69), farming experience (AOR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.39–5.86), poultry health information
(AOR=12.6, 95% CI: 5.19–30.58) and vaccinating poultry (OR=2.5, 95%CI:1.10−5.78). A
positive attitude correlated strongly with college and above education (AOR=71.5, 95% CI: 29.92
98.63) and farming experience with ≥16 years (AOR=4.4, 95% CI: 1.20–16.26). Good practices
were significantly associated with college and above education (AOR=34.5, 95% CI: 28.31
45.80), farming work experience (AOR=2.3, 95%CI:1.42−4.05), and access to animal health
clinics (AOR=3.9, 95%CI:1.87−8.37).
Conclusions: This study revealed significant gaps in participants' knowledge, attitudes, and
practices regarding antimicrobial use and resistance. Education level and farming experience were
strongly associated with all three components; knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Additionally,
access to information and poultry vaccination were significantly linked only to knowledge, while
the availability of veterinary services was associated solely with practices. Based on these findings,
it is recommended to implement regular training programs for poultry farm workers to promote
responsible antibiotic use, alternative disease prevention methods, and awareness of the public
health risks of antimicrobial resistance.
