Philippine Journal of Science
153 (1): 157-173 February 2024
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 22 Sep 2023
Analytical Cross-sectional Study on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Antimicrobial Use and Resistance among Backyard Swine Raisers in Baybay City, Philippines
Mary Evan Dhale Albios1 and Kenny Oriel A. Olana2*
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Visayas State University, Baybay City 6521-A Philippines 2Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Visayas State University, Baybay City 6521-A Philippines
*Corresponding author: kenny.olana@vsu.edu.ph
Albios MED, Olana KO. 2024. Analytical Cross-sectional Study on the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Antimicrobial Use and Resistance among Backyard Swine Raisers in Baybay City, Philippines. Philipp J Sci 153(1): 157–173. https://doi.org/10.56899/153.01.16
ABSTRACT
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern, wherein microorganisms become resistant to antimicrobial drugs used in the treatment of human diseases and is linked to the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of backyard swine raisers in Baybay City, Leyte, the Philippines, toward antimicrobial drugs and usage in the context of AMR. Data were gathered from 303 randomly selected backyard swine raisers in 28 villages of Baybay City through in-depth interviews. KAP levels were determined by performing descriptive statistics. Predictors and associated variables were analyzed through univariable and multivariable regression analyses. The majority of the respondents have poor to moderate knowledge (98.68%), moderate attitudes (68.65%), and poor practices (82.18%) on the use of antimicrobials. Attainment of a college degree (adjusted β = 1.32, p = 0.0021) was significantly associated with the respondents’ knowledge. Meanwhile, the respondents’ attitude levels were positively associated with vocational (adjusted β = 4.84, p = 0.0004) and college education (adjusted β = 2.11, p = 0.0444). Overall, the educational attainment (college: adjusted β = 1.58, p = 0.0068), the knowledge mean (β = 5.25, p < 0.0001), and the attitude mean (β = 1.11, p < 0.0001) significantly influenced the respondents’ practices on antimicrobial use. Education is crucial in improving the farmers’ KAP regarding the use of antimicrobials. To help prevent the furtherance of AMR, it is essential for government agencies to enhance the farmers’ KAP levels by conducting training on antimicrobial use and facilitating AMR awareness seminars.