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Investigating the factors influencing antibiotic use practices and their association with antimicrobial resistance awareness among poultry farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 September 2025

Chika P. Ejikeugwu*
Affiliation:
Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Agbani, NigeriaDepartment Angewandte Mikrobielle Ökologie, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung – UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
Emmanuel A. Nwakaeze
Affiliation:
Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Nigeria
Chikaodi W. Aniekwe
Affiliation:
Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Agbani, Nigeria
Euslar N. Onu
Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Nigeria
Michael U. Adikwu
Affiliation:
Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
Peter M. Eze
Affiliation:
Department of Environmental Health Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, NigeriaSchool of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, NI, UKDepartment of Agriculture and Food, University of La Rioja, Logroño, Spain
*
Corresponding author: Chika P. Ejikeugwu; Email: chika.ejikeugwu@esut.edu.ng

Abstract

Objective:

Effectively addressing poultry farmers’ antibiotic use and its role in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a significant challenge, but improving their knowledge and practices is crucial for mitigating AMR risks and safeguarding public health. This study aimed to assess farmers’ understanding and behaviors to identify public health risks and inform targeted interventions.

Design:

Survey-based cross-sectional study.

Setting:

200 poultry farms in Enugu State, Nigeria.

Participants:

Poultry farmers.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey of 200 poultry farms in Enugu State, Nigeria, was conducted using a validated questionnaire targeting farmers responsible for key farm decisions. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic data, AMR knowledge, and antibiotic use practices. Ethical approval was obtained, and participants provided oral consent.

Results:

Findings showed that 90.5% of farmers used antibiotics, primarily for treating infections (80.5%) and for growth promotion or prophylaxis (61%). Ampicillin (75%), ciprofloxacin (71.5%), and doxycycline (71%) were the most commonly used antibiotics, with monthly administration being prevalent (48%). Additionally, 89% of respondents believed antibiotics promote poultry growth. Alarmingly, 65% were unaware of AMR, and only 16% recognized its health risks.

Conclusion:

The heavy reliance on antibiotics, particularly ampicillin, raises concerns about beta-lactamase selection amid Nigeria’s carbapenem resistance issues. The significant knowledge gap among farmers highlights the urgent need for targeted education and stricter antibiotic regulation to mitigate AMR risks in poultry farming.

Information

Type
Original Article
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution and reproduction, provided the original article is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America
Figure 0

Figure 1.Map of Enugu State, Nigeria, showing study locations (map adapted from Enugu Connect).15.

Figure 1

Table 1.Distribution of the studied respondents according to socio-demographic data

Figure 2

Figure 2.Commonly used antibiotics in poultry farms in Enugu, Nigeria.

Figure 3

Figure 3.Distribution of insights into the KAP on antibiotics use by farmers in Enugu, Nigeria.

Figure 4

Figure 4.Distribution of insights into KAP on AMR by farmers in Enugu, Nigeria.

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