Antimicrobial resistance knowledge and practices among animal drug vendors in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical One Health challenge, with limited data on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of informal veterinary drug vendors in Nigeria. This study assessed AMR-related knowledge, attitudes, and dispensing practices and their associated factors among registered animal drug vendors in Kano State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey in December 2024 recruited 133 registered animal drug vendors using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect demographic data and AMR-related knowledge, attitudes, and dispensing practices. One respondent with substantial missing responses was excluded during data cleaning, yielding an analytic sample of 132. KAP levels were classified using a ≥70% cutoff. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression in R, reporting adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Respondents were predominantly male (99%), urban-based (98.4%), and aged 30-39 years (51.2%), with a mean age of 34.8 years. Adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and good dispensing practices were reported by 34.8%, 65.2%, and 23.5% of vendors, respectively (n = 132). Tertiary education was significantly associated with better knowledge (χ2 = 5.36, p = 0.0207). Multivariable analysis showed that vendors with up to secondary education had lower odds of adequate knowledge (AOR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.20-0.94, p = 0.0347). Prior AMR training increased the likelihood of adequate knowledge (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.02-4.82, p = 0.0445). Years of experience were not associated with knowledge. Conclusion: AMR knowledge and, in particular, appropriate dispensing practices remain low among animal drug vendors in Kano State, despite generally positive attitudes. These findings highlight the need for targeted, context-appropriate AMR awareness and stewardship sensitization interventions that strengthen vendor knowledge, reinforce responsible dispensing practices, and support informed decision-making at the point of antimicrobial access, thereby reducing resistance risks at the human-animal interface.