Poultry Farm Workers' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Eastern Ethiopia: An Institutional-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Poultry farming is a significant source of food worldwide; however, irrational antimicrobial use has contributed to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing a serious threat to humans, animals, and the environment. Despite this growing concern, the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of poultry farm workers regarding antimicrobial use and resistance remains poorly understood in eastern Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess poultry farm workers' KAP toward antimicrobial use and resistance, and to identify associated factors. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 414 randomly selected poultry farm workers from March 15 to April 27, 2025. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews on ODK. Data were analyzed using STATA 14. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to examine the associations between dependent and independent variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: About 53.62%, 48.31%, and 52.17% of participants had good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices on antimicrobial use and resistance, respectively. Educational status was significantly associated with knowledge (AOR = 2.3), attitudes (AOR = 3.5), and practices (AOR = 3.1). Similarly, farming experience was associated with knowledge (AOR = 2.6), attitudes (AOR = 4.4), and practices (AOR = 2.3). Source of information (AOR = 12.6) was associated with knowledge only, whereas access to veterinary services (AOR = 3.9) was associated with practices only. CONCLUSION: This study revealed significant gaps in participants' KAP regarding antimicrobial use and resistance. Education level and farming experience were significantly associated with KAP. Information source influenced knowledge, whereas availability of veterinary services influenced practices. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance poultry farm workers' KAP through implementing regular training programs that focus on the responsible use of antimicrobials and also through improving access to poultry health information and services to minimize AMR challenges.