INVESTIGATION OF FARMERS KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES ON THE USE OF ANTIMICROBIALS AMONG CATTLE FARMERS, WITH IN KOINADUGU DISTRICT SIERRA LEONE

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing One Health threat, particularly in low-resource livestock systems where veterinary services, diagnostic capacity and antimicrobial-use surveillance are limited. This study assessed cattle farmers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antimicrobial use and AMR in extensive production systems in Koinadugu District, Northern Sierra Leone. A cross-sectional survey of 187 cattle farmers was conducted using a structured questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization KAP framework. Data were analyzed in R using descriptive statistics, composite KAP scores, chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, non-parametric tests, Spearman correlation and binary logistic regression. The findings revealed marked deficiencies in foundational antimicrobial knowledge, including limited understanding of antibiotics, their specificity against bacterial infections and differentiation from other veterinary medicines. Although respondents generally expressed favorable attitudes towards veterinary guidance, responsible antimicrobial use and AMR control, these attitudes were not consistently translated into practice. Major stewardship deficiencies included inconsistent veterinary consultation, poor adherence to recommended dosage and treatment duration, premature treatment discontinuation, poor observance of withdrawal periods, absence of treatment records, inappropriate antimicrobial storage and disposal, low vaccination coverage, inconsistent biosecurity, lack of laboratory diagnosis before treatment and limited participation in extension programmes. Conversely, isolation of sick animals and avoidance of sharing or reusing leftover antibiotics were comparatively positive practices. The findings demonstrate a substantial knowledge–attitude–practice gap, suggesting that inappropriate antimicrobial use is shaped not only by knowledge deficits but also by structural, economic and veterinary-service constraints. The study concludes that strengthening AMR control in Northern Sierra Leone requires integrated One Health interventions combining farmer education, improved veterinary access, laboratory diagnostic support, vaccination, biosecurity, antimicrobial-use surveillance, treatment record systems and stronger regulation of veterinary medicines. These findings provide baseline evidence for targeted antimicrobial stewardship policies in Sierra Leone’s cattle sector. Implementation should prioritize practical, appropriate extension strategies that convert positive intentions into sustained stewardship behavior.