Explaining the barriers faced by veterinarians against preventing antimicrobial resistance: an innovative interdisciplinary qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Considering the significance of increased antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its adverse effects on individual and social health and the important and effective role that veterinarians play in controlling this growing issue worldwide, it is essential to have effective preventive control programs. To this aim, the first step is to identify the factors behind the prevalence of AMR in Iran and the barriers veterinarians face to controlling this problem. Thus, the present study was conducted to explain the barriers veterinarians faced in the prevention of AMR from an Iranian veterinarian’s perspective. Methods: The present research was done in three cities in Iran in 2021. The data were collected through in-depth interviews with 18 veterinarians selected through purposive and snowball sampling and analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. Results: The data analysis results were classified into 4 main categories and 44 subcategories. The former included: educational factors, administrative/legal factors, client-related factors, and veterinarian-related factors. Conclusions: The increased AMR can be approached from multiple aspects. Considering the different factors that affect the increased AMR, it is necessary to consider them all through effective planning and policy-making at multi-level and multidisciplinary dimensions. There is special attention needed to scientific and practical interventions at the individual, interpersonal, social, and even political levels. At the same time, measures should be taken to rehabilitate and maintain the health of society to strengthen supervision and attract the full participation of interested organizations.