KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES OF POULTRY FARM WORKERS ON ANTIMICROBIAL USE, RESISTANCE, AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN SELECTED CITIES OF EASTERN ETHIOPIA

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.