Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antimicrobial use, resistance and stewardship among poultry farmers in Osun state, Nigeria

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat driven significantly by antimicrobial misuse in agriculture, particularly in poultry farming. This study assessed the awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to antimicrobial use and resistance among poultry farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to August 2025 among 289 poultry farmers selected through a multistage sampling procedure across Osun State. The study included actively practicing poultry farmers aged 18 years and above. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine relationships between variables, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The majority of respondents (89.6%) had heard of AMR, with 239 (92.3%) hearing it from veterinary doctors. Overall, 77.2% demonstrated good knowledge of AMR. Most farmers (89.6%) used antimicrobials; among users, 47.5% used them occasionally. Personal experience (64.5% of users) was the primary basis for antibiotic selection. Approximately 71.6% implemented biosecurity measures, and 57.8% had received training on AMR. Overall, 64.4% of all respondents demonstrated good practice; among antibiotic users, 71.8% had good practice. Significant associations were found between knowledge and practice (χ²=100.435, p < 0.001, Cramer’s V = 0.59) and between attitude and practice (χ²=115.970, p < 0.001, Cramer’s V = 0.63). Multivariable logistic regression identified good knowledge (AOR = 4.21; 95% CI: 2.14–8.28), positive attitude (AOR = 5.63; 95% CI: 2.87–11.04), and prior AMR training (AOR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.28–4.68) as independent predictors of good practice. Despite high awareness, antimicrobials misuse persists and is associated with factors such as reliance on personal experience and limited veterinary consultation. There is a need for enhanced farmer education, stricter regulatory enforcement, and the implementation of targeted antimicrobial stewardship programs to mitigate AMR risks in poultry farming.