Gardeners' knowledge, practices and associated risk factors for multidrug-resistant bacteria dissemination in environment and humans: A One Health approach in gardens of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Background: Garden products can be contaminated with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria through fecal waste, irrigation water, biosolids, or animal manure used as fertilizer. This study assesses the knowledge and practices of gardeners in Ouagadougou, and identifies risk factors for MDR bacteria spread in humans and the environment using a One Health approach. Methods: In April 2023, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 110 consenting gardeners from three sites (Paspanga, Tanghin, and Boulmiougou). Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using Kobo Collect and analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify factors linked to low knowledge and risk. Results: Most participants were male (52.7%), 70.9% had no formal education, and 54.6% were aged 41–60 years. The majority used well water for irrigation (99.1%). All used organic fertilizers, but 92.7% did not produce their own, and composting was low (23.6%). Shared latrines were used by 71.8%, and 60.0% did not use personal protective equipment. Knowledge gaps were significant: 72.7% didn’t believe irrigation water could contaminate produce, 73.6% were unaware of manure risks, and 67.3% didn’t think contaminated produce could infect humans. Logistic regression revealed that perceptions about water contamination were paradoxically linked to higher odds of risky behaviour (odds ratio = 3.48, p = 0.016). Conclusion: This study reveals knowledge gaps and risky practices among gardeners, contributing to MDR bacteria spread and posing health risks. Urgent interventions are needed to improve education, infrastructure, and practices in urban farming.