Misconceptions and misuse: assessing horse caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dexamethasone use in Ibadan, Nigeria

Dexamethasone is a common drug used in equine medicine, but when administered inappropriately, it can lead to serious health complications. There is a dearth of data on horse caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dexamethasone use in Nigeria. Understanding current dexamethasone usage patterns is necessary for developing educational interventions which will then improve equine welfare. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of horse caregivers regarding dexamethasone use in Ibadan, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst a total of 100 horse caregivers in Ibadan using a structured questionnaire. Face-to-face interviews were conducted so as to assess KAP regarding dexamethasone use. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were conducted with P≤0.05 considered significant. All respondents were male, and 66% of them were aged 20-39 years. Only 46% of them demonstrated satisfactory knowledge, with 76% of them wrongly identifying dexamethasone as a painkiller rather than a steroid (6%). Attitudes (caregivers' perceptions and willingness to follow veterinary guidance) and practices were satisfactory in 54% of respondents. Facility type significantly influenced attitudes (P=0.036), with commercial stable workers showing poorer attitudes (80% unsatisfactory). Age significantly affected practices (P=0.014), with teenagers demonstrating the worst practices (100% unsatisfactory). Frequency of veterinary consultation significantly affected both attitudes (P=0.025) and practices (P=0.007), with daily interaction showing the best outcomes. Knowledge gaps as well as inappropriate practices regarding dexamethasone use exist among horse caregivers in Ibadan, particularly concerning its classification, mechanism of action, and side effects. We recommend the implementation of educational programmes and encouragement of regular veterinary consultation amongst caregivers.